Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was an American politician, inventor, and scientist. He was born in 1706 and at the age of ten set to work in his father’s candle and soap business. However, his disliked his work and two years later he went to work for a printer. He eventually became a successful printer, producing a weekly newspaper and popular books. He also became a politician and help the United States become free from British rule. His inventions included a smokeless stove, bifocal lenses, and new types of fertilizer.

In 1752 Franklin conducted a dangerous experiment. By flying a kite during a storm, he discovered that a lightning bolt is just a large electric spark. Franklin put his discovery to use and invented the lightning conductor. This is a thick metal wire that ran from the top of building to the ground and therefore would not damage the building or harm the people inside. This discovery was the first step in developing ways of making use of electricity to power machines.