<P> Benjamin Franklin FRS FRSE ( January 17 , 1706 ( O.S. January 6 , 1705 ) -- April 17 , 1790 ) was an American polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States . Franklin was a leading author , printer , political theorist , politician , freemason , postmaster , scientist , inventor , humorist , civic activist , statesman , and diplomat . As a scientist , he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity . As an inventor , he is known for the lightning rod , bifocals , and the Franklin stove , among other inventions . He founded many civic organizations , including Philadelphia 's fire department and the University of Pennsylvania . </P>
<P> Benjamin Franklin FRS FRSE ( January 17 , 1706 ( O.S. January 6 , 1705 ) -- April 17 , 1790 ) was an American polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States . Franklin was a leading author , printer , political theorist , politician , freemason , postmaster , scientist , inventor , humorist , civic activist , statesman , and diplomat . As a scientist , he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity . As an inventor , he is known for the lightning rod , bifocals , and the Franklin stove , among other inventions . He founded many civic organizations , including Philadelphia 's fire department and the University of Pennsylvania . </P>
who is credited with inventing the lightening conductor
who is credited with inventing the lightening conductor
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin