Was Benjamin Franklin a great scientist
... Introduction Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American painter, writer, diplomat, philosopher, and scientist, whose many contributions to the cause of the American Revolution, and the newly formed government that was created after wards, rank him among the countrys greatest statesmen. Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston. His father, Josiah Franklin, a tallow chandler by trade, had 17 children; Benjamin was the 15th child and the 10th son. ... After his attendance at grammar school from age eight to ten, Benjamin was taken into his fathers business. ... Benjamin learned the printing trade, devoting his spare time to educating himself more. In 1721 his brother, James Franklin, established the "New England Courant" and Benjamin, at age of 15, was busily occupied in delivering the newspaper by day and in composing articles for it at night. ... Because of its liberal liking, in 1722 James Franklin was imprisoned for a month and forbidden to publish his paper, and for a while it appeared under Benjamins name. ... Printer In 1723 Franklin left Boston and moved to Philadelphia, when he again worked in printing industry. He made friends with the Pennsylvania governor, Sir William Keith, and at Keiths suggestion, Franklin decided to go into business for himself. Franklin decided to go to London to purchase equipment.