The myth of the kite and the reality of Franklin's science
In short: Bill Bryson deconstructs the legacy of Benjamin Franklin, moving past popular legends to examine his genuine contributions to early modern science and his role within the Royal Society.
In a 2010 Gresham College lecture, Bryson explores Franklin's membership in the Royal Society, which he joined in 1756. While Franklin is often remembered for his kite experiment, Bryson clarifies that these stories are largely fictional. Instead, he highlights Franklin's actual research into diverse phenomena, including the discovery of the Gulf Stream and the evaporation of water from puddles.
The lecture serves as part of a broader history of the Royal Society, founded 350 years ago by figures like Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke. It contextualizes Franklin as a multifaceted scientist, author, and inventor whose lasting scientific impact remains centered on his work with electricity.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Bill Bryson: Benjamin Franklin [A Gresham College lecture]
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