Franklin, Benjamin

Experiments and Observations on Electricity, made at Philadelphia in America.  London: printed for David Henry, sold for Francis Newbery, 1769



4to (9 x 7 in.; 228 x 178 mm).  Half-title, advertisement / errata leaf, 7 engraved plates (2 folding) by T. Jeffreys, T. Hulett and B. Cole, several woodcut text devices; light browning and occasional light foxing.  Contemporary vellum over boards, spine gilt-stamped; some soiling and wear, spine rubbed.   

C. E. Rappaport, bookseller, Rome (label) — S. S. Dunham (signature in pencil) — Albert Edgar Lownes (bookplate)

Ford 307; Howes F320; Sabin 25506

First collected edition.  This edition—in which Franklin's scientific writings were "corrected, methodized, improved, and ... first collected in one volume"—was prepared and published while the author was in London.  In addition to the famous kite and key experiment, Franklin's work with Leiden jars, lightning rods, and charged clouds is summarized.