Franklin's experiments and observations led to the invention of the lightning rod. This was the first application of electricity and an important one. Franklin suggested setting up pointed metal poles on the roofs of buildings and running wires connected to the poles to the ground. Such lightning rods would allow the clouds to safely discharge electricity, thus protecting the building itself. In 1782, 400 lightning rods were used in Philadelphia alone. Now, 250 years later, lightning rods still stand faithfully on tall buildings around the world.
Franklin also made immeasurable contributions to electrical theory. He proposed the famous concept of "charge conservation" and created many electrical terms. These professional terms are still used in modern electricity, such as: positive electricity, negative electricity, battery, capacitor, charge, discharge, electric shock, electrician, conductor, etc.
In addition, he also made many inventions, especially improved stoves and invented bifocal glasses for the elderly. He designed a new type of stove with a reasonable structure that could save fuel and easily dissipate heat. It was later named the "Franklin stove". After the invention of the stove, the people at the patent office sincerely said to him: "You have benefited mankind, so you should have a patent as our reward for you." Franklin replied: "No! There are many people who deserve my reward. Now, don't we enjoy other people's inventions in our daily lives? I feel that if I make a small invention, I should generously dedicate this invention to everyone as a reward for enjoying other people's inventions. ”
Franklin was not only a scientist who won people’s respect for his scientific discoveries and inventions, but also was heartily loved by the American people for his great personality and outstanding contributions in political and social activities< /p>