June 10 in American History
By tradition, Benjamin Franklin flew a kite in a thunderstorm to prove that lightning was electricity — drawing a spark from a key tied to the wet string. The experiment (which could easily have killed him) led to the lightning rod, which saved countless buildings and lives. American practical science, aimed straight at a real problem.
In 1752: Franklin's kite experiment. By tradition, Benjamin Franklin flew a kite in a thunderstorm to prove that lightning was electricity — drawing a spark from a key tied to the wet string.
By tradition, Benjamin Franklin flew a kite in a thunderstorm to prove that lightning was electricity — drawing a spark from a key tied to the wet string. The experiment (which could easily have killed him) led to the lightning rod, which saved countless buildings and lives. American practical science, aimed straight at a real problem.
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