FRANKLIN'S SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATIONS

Amongst the many other interests that Franklin pursues, he also likes to invent things. In 1742, he invents a stove whose purpose is to warm a room. He refused to apply for a patent on it, for he believed that inventions should be enjoyed without any rights of ownership. (The Franklin stove is still produced today.)

After the war, Franklin devotes his time to setting up an educational center in Pennsylvania. He seeks help from influential friends and writes pamphlets about his cause. He succeeds in raising about five thousand pounds for the academy. Along with Franklin, twenty-four trustees are appointed to oversee the academy, and the state Attorney General is to draw up the constitution to govern it. In 1749, a school is opened. Soon finding the academy building too small, the school moves into the building erected for the Whitfield sermons. The Academy grows and eventually becomes the University of Pennsylvania.

Notes

In this section, a new facet of Franklin's character is revealed. His curious mind leads him to try his hand at inventions. In 1742, he successfully produces a Franklin stove, whose purpose is to heat a room on a cold day. Franklin's organizational ability is also depicted. He successfully creates an academy of learning. It quickly outgrows its original structure, and with Franklin's help, manages to move into the hall built for Whitfield. In his negotiations, Franklin takes proper care to see that there is enough room for the preaching of sermons for which the building was originally erected, as well as adequate room for the academy to give its instruction. Franklin operates on a policy of mutual benefit for everyone.

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