Benjamin Franklin 
Experiments and Observations on Electricity Made at Philadelphia in America 

Benjamin Franklin’s ‘Experiments and Observations on Electricity Made at Philadelphia in America’ is a groundbreaking work that explores the fundamentals of electricity and its practical applications through a series of meticulous experiments. Written in a clear and accessible style, the book is a significant contribution to the fields of science and technology, reflecting Franklin’s keen observational skills and innovative thinking. The work also reflects the spirit of Enlightenment thinking, emphasizing the importance of experimentation and empirical evidence in advancing knowledge. Franklin’s engaging narratives and detailed descriptions make this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of electricity and the scientific method. Benjamin Franklin, a polymath and Founding Father of the United States, was a key figure in the American Enlightenment and a pioneer in the study of electricity. His curiosity and passion for scientific inquiry led him to conduct a series of groundbreaking experiments on electricity, culminating in the publication of this seminal work. Franklin’s practical approach to scientific research and his interdisciplinary interests have made him a figure of lasting influence in both science and literature. I highly recommend ‘Experiments and Observations on Electricity Made at Philadelphia in America’ to scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in the history of science. Franklin’s insights and discoveries continue to resonate in the modern world, making this book a timeless classic in the field of electricity and experimental science.

About the author

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was one of the most illustrious figures in American history, renowned for his contributions not just to literature, but also to science and public service. As a polymath, Franklin engaged in a myriad of activities, some of which included being a printer, a political theorist, and a statesman. In the realm of literature, his signature style often intertwined wit and wisdom, a blend that facilitated his rise as one of the most influential authors and thinkers of his epoch. Franklin’s ‘Experiments and Observations on Electricity Made at Philadelphia in America’ is monumental in the annals of scientific literature, capturing his sophisticated experiments and insights that significantly advanced the 18th-century understanding of electricity. Franklin’s investigative spirit in this domain famously led to the groundbreaking kite experiment which subsequently heralded his invention of the lightning rod, a major leap in the way society could mitigate the destructive potential of atmospheric electrical charges. In addition to his scientific pursuits, Franklin’s wide array of written works, such as ‘Poor Richard’s Almanack’ and his iconic autobiography, cemented his status as a formidable literary figure. Through his texts, Franklin effectively conveyed his penchant for pragmatism, and his literary style, characterized by clarity and accessibility, made his works both profound and popular among the literate classes both during his life and posthumously.