Franklin’s Most Important Inventions
While Franklin did not "invent" electricity he did provide us with a language to understand this previously mysterious concept. He developed the single-fluid theory of electricity giving us much of the language that we still use today including battery, conductor, condenser, charge, discharge, uncharged, negative, minus, plus, electric shock and electrician. As was often the case, Franklin was motivated by a desire to help others. With his greater understanding he invented the lightning rod to protect ships, buildings and people against the deadly menace. In response to his own weakening eyesight, Franklin created the first pair of bifocal glasses by cutting two pairs of glasses in half and then reconnecting them. His other insights include charting the Gulf Stream in detail and the development of Daylight Savings Time. Perhaps one of his most lasting legacies is the invention of the Franklin stove. This steel stove allowed people to heat their homes safely while using less wood. In the same altruistic spirit, Franklin started the first volunteer fire department and introduced the first fire insurance plan.