Franklin, Benjamin

Experiments and Observations on Electricity, Made at Philadelphia in America ... and Communicated in several Letters to Mr. P. Collinson, Esq; ... London: Printed and sold by E. Cave, 1751

4to (8 3/4 x 6 3/4 in.; 222 x 171 mm). One folding plate, woodcut tailpieces, last leaf with publisher's advertisement; lightly browned, edge-stained in first four leaves from binding, moderate mostly marginal spotting. Contemporary mottled calf, double-fillet border, spine gilt in compartments; in a half morocco drop-box; rebacked with original spine laid down, covers scraped, edges and corners mended.

Reverend W. Shepherd (19th-century bookplate and inscription "W. Shepherds, the Gift of Mrs. Nardman of Allerton" on front endpaper). Acquisition: William Reese

Dibner, Heralds 57; Ford 77; Howes F320; Horblit 31a; Howes F320; Norman Catalogue 830

One folding plate, woodcut tailpieces, last leaf with publisher's advertisement; lightly browned, edge-stained in first four leaves from binding, moderate mostly marginal spotting. Contemporary mottled calf, double-fillet border, spine gilt in compartments; rebacked with original spine laid down, covers scraped, edges and corners mended.
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First edition of "America's first great scientific contribution" (Howes).

Franklin began his famous experiments on electricity in 1745, demonstrating the electrical nature of lightning and inventing the lightning conductor. This work includes summaries of his experiments with Leyden jars, charged clouds and lightning rods, as well as his famous kite and key experiment. These experiments were outlined in a series of letters to his fellow scientist Peter Collinson, which led to the first proper understanding of the properties of electricity. Collinson thought Franklin's research so important, he published it without Franklin's permission. Supplementary material was published (with Franklin's permission) in 1753 and 1754.

This work was a sensation in the scientific world and ranked in the eyes of many contemporaries as far beyond any of his political achievements. Harvard and Yale awarded him honorary degrees in 1753; he received the Copley Medal, the highest award of the Royal Society in the same year, and was elected to that Society in 1756 (the first American to be so honored).