The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 3: Volume 3, January 1, 1745 through June 30, 1750 - Hardcover

Franklin, Benjamin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0300006527 ISBN 13: 9780300006520

Publisher: Yale University Press, 1961

Synopsis

This latest volume in the continuing edition of one of America's most versatile citizens shows Franklin's interests, already diversified, beginning to broaden still more, until in 1748 he turns over the active operation of his printing office and newspaper to a partner in order to participate with more freedom in public affairs and scientific investigations.When in the autumn of 1747 Philadelphia appears threatened by incursions of French and Spanish privateers and the Quaker-controlled Assembly of Pennsylvania does nothing to defend the city, Franklin initiates and leads a movement to create a volunteer militia—the "Association/" The citizens build a battery and borrow canon, and Franklin organizes two lotteries to raise the necessary funds.In 1749 Franklin sets on foot a scheme for establishing the Academy of Philadelphia, which ultimately becomes the University of Pennsylvania. His pamphlet, "Proposals relation to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania," here reprinted, is an important statement of his educational views.On the scientific side, in 1747 Franklin begins a series of letters describing the electrical experiments he and his friends are conducting. The English scientist Peter Collinson reads the letters to the Royal Society, and in 1751 they are printed in London as a pamphlet. In this excursion into basic scientific investigation, Franklin is the first to use the terms "positive" and "negative," "plus" and "minus" as applied to an electrical charge. here, also for the first time, an electric "battery" (Franklin's term) is described.This volume, containing exactly four times as many documents as that of the Smyth edition for the same period, will appeal to many different kinds of readers.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Franklin's arrival in France caused a sensation. By the time he reached Paris the city was buzzing with rumors: he had come with a small fortune in gold, to put his grandsons in school and then buy himself a Swiss chateau for his retirement; he had come to negotiate a treaty with France or, failing that, with Britain; he had come to sue for peace, just as he had earlier tried to reach a settlement with the Howes. These reports went the rounds of the diplomatic corps. The Parisians were so busy with conjecture, the Russian Minister informed St. Petersburg, that the police posted orders in all the taverns and coffee houses not to discuss American affairs.

About the Author

William B. Willcox is professor of history at Yale University.

Edition details

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 1961
• ISBN 10: 0300006527
• ISBN 13: 9780300006520
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 539
• Editor: Labaree Leonard W.