THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1752

• Benjamin Franklin's lightening rod experiments
• Society Hilly (Philadelphia) and Annapolis mentions

Of great interest is the article: "Of Electricity in the Clouds", which 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 images).

Also of interest 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.

Complete, measures 5 by 8 1/4 inches and is in very good condition with full title/contents page featuring an engraving of St. John's Gate. All of the plates called for are present, including one of the the Red-winged Starling (colorized), "the Representation of an Hungarian and Spanish machine for raising water", and "The Castle of St. Angelo at Rome."

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.