Benjamin Franklin (Born in Boston January 17, 1706 – Died in Philadelphia April 17, 1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America.
A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author and printer, satirist, political theorist, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, soldier, and diplomat.
As a scientist, he was a major figure in the 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, the flexible urinary catheter, and the glass 'armonica'.
In 1733, Franklin began to publish the famous Poor Richard's Almanack (with content both original and borrowed) under the pseudonym Richard Saunders, on which much of his popular reputation is based.
Ben formed both the first public lending library in America and the first fire department in Pennsylvania.
He played a major role in establishing the University of Pennsylvania.
In 1751, the indefatigable Franklin raised money to help found Pennsylvania Hospital, America's first hospital, in conjunction with Dr. Thomas Bond.
He was an early proponent of colonial unity, and as a political writer and activist, he supported the idea of an American nation.
As a diplomat during the American Revolution, he secured the French alliance that helped to make independence of the United States possible.

"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."



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