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Ben Franklin & his lightning rod...



Item # 607505

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THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1752  One of the articles: "Of Electricity in the Clouds" begins: "The experiments made by Mr. Franklin & repeated in France...have, I find, given rise to an opinion that lightening is extracted from clouds by the iron bar, that it may be diverted which way we please, and the mischiefs of it prevented..." with more (see).
Also of interest in this issue is: "Manners & Customs of the Indians of Quito".
Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" with the latest news reports of the day which includes a report datelined: "Annapolis in Maryland" which begins: "For a week past we have scarcely had a day without lightening and thunder which has done much damage..." with more on the damage caused (see), and a similar report from Philadelphia noting damage to houses on Society Hill.
A present plate is "the Representation of an Hungarian and Spanish machine for raising water".
Complete in 44 pages, measures 5 by 8 inches, full title/contents page featuring an engraving of St. John's Gate.

A very nice pre-Revolutionary War magazine from the "mother country" with a wide range of varied content including news of the day, political reports, literary items, and other unusual tidbits. This was the first periodical to use the word "magazine" in its title, having begun in 1731 and lasting until 1907.

Category: The 1600's and 1700's