Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, 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. He invented the lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, a carriage odometer, and the glass 'armonica'. He formed both the first public lending library in America and the first fire department in Pennsylvania.

His colorful life and legacy of scientific and political achievement, and status as one of America's most influential Founding Fathers, have seen Franklin honored on coinage and money; warships; the names of many towns, counties, educational institutions, namesakes, and companies; and more than two centuries after his death, countless cultural references.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... n_Franklin View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Economists • Founders • Freemasons • Inventors • Mathematicians • Polymaths • Revolutionaries • Scientists • Statesmen • Capricorn • Electricity • Environment • Government • January 17 • Massachusetts • Physicists • Politicians • USA • Writers • Icons • People