As we celebrate Benjamin Franklin Day, let us follow in the footsteps of one of the most influential inventors and scientists of all time.

Franklin's Life and Interest in Science

Benjamin Franklin was one of the most influential and accomplished figures of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Born in 1706, he was a polymath, and excelled in a multitude of fields. He was a renowned author, statesman, printer, publisher, and scientist, as well as inventing such items as the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove.

Franklin was a major proponent of colonial unity and became lovingly known as 'The First American' for his tireless campaigning. He was the first United States ambassador to France and his efforts proved vital in securing French aid for the American Revolution. 

As a scientist, Franklin is most remembered for his studies of electricity, oceanography, meteorology, and even refrigeration! Franklin also established many civic organizations, including the Library Company, Philadelphia's first fire department, and the University of Pennsylvania. He was also an abolitionist and promoted education and the integration of African Americans into U.S. society.

His Experiments with Electricity

Benjamin Franklin is known for many things, but one of the most impressive achievements of the Founding Father is his pioneering work with electricity. Franklin was one of the first to explore the phenomenon of electricity and even proposed that "vitreous" and "resinous" electricity were the same "fluid" under different pressures. He was also the first to label them as positive and negative respectively and discovered the principle of conservation of charge. 

And, of course, what better way to show the practical use of electricity than by cooking a turkey via electric shock? He also proposed a dinner party roasted on an electrical spit, which was quite revolutionary for its time.

Franklin is also known for his famous kite experiment which proved that lightning is electricity. Franklin used a kite to collect electric charge from a storm cloud and, after performing this experiment, he was able to develop the lightning rod - a tool that protected buildings from being struck by lightning. 

Benjamin Franklin's experiments and discoveries with electricity were groundbreaking for their time and helped pave the way for future generations of scientists and inventors. He was even awarded the Royal Society's Copley Medal in 1753 and elected a fellow of the Society in 1756 in recognition of his work.

His Contributions to Meteorology

Being a true pioneer and an innovator in the field of meteorology, Benjamin Franklin was the first to truly understand and observe the Gulf Stream and its effect on ocean temperatures. He also made groundbreaking discoveries about storm systems and the direction they move in, findings that are still widely used today. 

Franklin's own observations of a lunar eclipse in 1743 serve as a great example of his pioneering research. He was eager to compare his observations from Philadelphia with those of his brother in Boston, but alas, a storm system blocked his view of the event. But when his brother's notes arrived, it was revealed that Boston had seen the eclipse and that a nor'easter had then followed it.

This inspired Franklin to conduct further research, gathering observations between Philadelphia and Boston and eventually concluding that storms do not always move in the direction of the prevailing wind. 

Franklin's discoveries have had a lasting effect on our understanding of meteorology, and he remains an inspiration to all who are passionate about science and the pursuit of knowledge.

Other Notable Inventions and Discoveries

Someone who is larger-than-life such as Benjamin Franklin who had achieved many things in life often shadows their own little-known inventions. But it’s not too late to also celebrate his inventions that are often overlooked! Here are a few:

1. Franklin stove

This metal-lined fireplace was designed to improve the efficiency of burning fuel, using less wood than the traditional open fireplace.

Franklin's quest to improve the fireplace began when he realized that many people were dying from the dangers of indoor fireplaces. He was also aware of the wood shortage at the time and set out to invent a fireplace that was both safer and more efficient. In 1742, at age 36, he invented the original version of the Pennsylvania Fireplace, also known as the Franklin Stove.

He studied the experiments of Franz Kessler and Jean Desaguiliers and incorporated the idea of using cast iron instead of masonry in a fireplace as the metal has the additional benefit of radiating comfortable heat into a room. The Franklin Stove was a freestanding cast-iron fireplace, designed to be inserted into an existing fireplace. 

But Benjamin refused to patent the invention, wanting it to be freely improved upon and used by others.

2. Bifocal glasses

These glasses have two lenses in the same frame, each with a different focusing power.

Benjamin Franklin is credited with inventing bifocal glasses in the late 18th century. Bifocal glasses are glasses with two distinct optical powers, one for seeing both near and far.Bifocal glasses are most commonly used by people with presbyopia, which is the loss of near vision due to age.

Franklin's invention of bifocal glasses was revolutionary, as it allowed people to see both near and far without having to constantly switch between two pairs of glasses. Franklin had a unique perspective on the invention, which he shared in his autobiography: “I made for myself a pair of double spectacles, which I often use and find very convenient.”

3. Flexible urinary catheter

This invention allowed doctors to help relieve pain and discomfort in patients with bladder problems.

Benjamin Franklin's flexible urinary catheter was an innovative invention that would revolutionize the way urinary tract infections were treated. It was made from a single piece of flexible rubber, and it was designed to be inserted into the urethra and then maneuvered through the urinary tract.

The design was revolutionary because it allowed for a much more accurate and comfortable insertion than what was previously possible with rigid catheters. This invention helped reduce the chances of infection, as well as providing a more comfortable experience for patients.

Also, the difference in design allowed for a much more efficient and effective process when it came to treating urinary tract infections in a shorter amount of time. Overall, this invention was a major breakthrough in the medical field and it continues to be used to this day.

Conclusion

Benjamin Franklin's experiments and inventions were groundbreaking for the field of science and were directly responsible for the development of modern scientific methods. His discoveries, inventions, and experiments revolutionized the way science was thought of and gave it its modern form.

Franklin's dedication to science and experimentation was a major influence on the development of modern science and the way it is practiced today. As a result, his impact can still be felt in the world of science, and his innovations continue to shape the way we understand the natural world.