The life and scientific contributions of Benjamin Franklin have often been overshadowed by his role as a founding father of the United States. However, a new biography titled “Ingenious” by Richard Munson aims to shed light on Franklin’s significant impact on the field of science.
While Franklin is most commonly remembered for his famous kite experiment during a lightning storm, Munson delves deeper into the intricacies of this event. Contrary to popular belief, the kite was not struck by lightning; rather, sparks emitted from a key attached to the kite’s string revealed the presence of an electric charge in the storm. Franklin’s experiment was not a reckless endeavor but a calculated scientific inquiry that helped demystify the nature of electricity.
Franklin’s contributions to the study of electricity extended far beyond the kite experiment. He proposed a groundbreaking theory that electricity was a single, fluid-like substance, challenging the prevailing belief in two separate forms of electricity. His concept of positive and negative charges and the law of conservation of charge laid the foundation for modern understanding of electricity. Even J.J. Thomson, the discoverer of the electron, acknowledged Franklin’s immense contributions to the field.
In addition to his work on electricity, Franklin was a polymath with interests in various scientific disciplines. From geology to botany, Franklin’s scientific curiosity knew no bounds. He was also a prolific inventor, with inventions ranging from printing techniques to lightning rods and efficient stoves.
Despite his scientific achievements, Franklin’s involvement in slavery is a dark chapter in his life that is often overlooked. While he eventually became an abolitionist, he was an enslaver for a significant portion of his life. Munson’s biography, however, focuses primarily on Franklin’s scientific endeavors, showcasing his joyous approach to science and his willingness to learn from failures.
Franklin’s scientific tricks, such as smoothing the surface of a stream with a hidden oil cane, demonstrate his playful and inquisitive nature. He was not afraid to challenge his own theories and embrace new evidence, both in science and in politics. Franklin’s dynamic political views, coupled with his unwavering commitment to scientific inquiry, paint a complex portrait of a man who sought to understand the natural and political world around him.
“Ingenious” invites readers to appreciate Franklin not just as a statesman but as a pioneering scientist whose insatiable curiosity and imaginative investigations shaped the course of modern science. By exploring Franklin’s scientific legacy, Munson highlights the importance of understanding and celebrating his contributions to the field of science.