Summary

Benjamin Franklin FRS FRSA FRSE (January 17, 1706 [O.S. January 6, 1705] – April 17, 1790) was an American polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin was a leading writer, printer, political philosopher, politician, Freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other inventions. He founded many civic organizations, including the Library Company, Philadelphia's first fire department and the University of Pennsylvania.

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An illustration from Franklin's paper on "Water-spouts and Whirlwinds."
An illustration from Franklin's paper on "Water-spouts and Whirlwinds."
Memorial marble statue, Benjamin Franklin National Memorial
Memorial marble statue, Benjamin Franklin National Memorial
Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Wilson, 1759.
Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Wilson, 1759.
William Temple Franklin, painted by John Trumbull (1790-1791).
William Temple Franklin, painted by John Trumbull (1790-1791).
Franklin's birthplace site directly across from Old South Meeting House on Milk Street is commemorated by a bust above the second floor facade of this building
Franklin's birthplace site directly across from Old South Meeting House on Milk Street is commemorated by a bust above the second floor facade of this building
A bust of Franklin by Jean-Antoine Houdon
A bust of Franklin by Jean-Antoine Houdon
Issue of 1895
Issue of 1895
Franklin in London, 1767, wearing a blue suit with elaborate gold braid and buttons, a far cry from the simple dress he affected at the French court in later years. Painting by David Martin, displayed in the White House.
Franklin in London, 1767, wearing a blue suit with elaborate gold braid and buttons, a far cry from the simple dress he affected at the French court in later years. Painting by David Martin, displayed in the White House.
Issue of 1861
Issue of 1861
"Voltaire blessing Franklin's grandson, in the name of God and Liberty", by Pedro Américo
"Voltaire blessing Franklin's grandson, in the name of God and Liberty", by Pedro Américo
Benjamin Franklin The first US postage stamp, 1847
Benjamin Franklin The first US postage stamp, 1847
John Trumbull depicts the Committee of Five presenting their work to the Congress.[78]
John Trumbull depicts the Committee of Five presenting their work to the Congress.[78]
Statue of Ben Franklin in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Statue of Ben Franklin in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Glass Armonica
Glass Armonica
William Franklin
William Franklin
Franklin's return to Philadelphia, 1785, by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris.
Franklin's return to Philadelphia, 1785, by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris.
Franklin bust in the Archives Department of Columbia University in New York City
Franklin bust in the Archives Department of Columbia University in New York City
Join, or Die: This political cartoon by Franklin urged the colonies to join together during the French and Indian War (Seven Years' War).
Join, or Die: This political cartoon by Franklin urged the colonies to join together during the French and Indian War (Seven Years' War).
Pennsylvania Hospital by William Strickland, 1755
Pennsylvania Hospital by William Strickland, 1755
 
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