opened a warehouse in that city. He soon obtained a considerable knowledge of trade, and passed his time happily, till the death of Mr. Denham in 1727 dissolved the connection. He was again obliged to apply for support to the press, and accepted an offer from Keimer to become the superintendant of his office. In this situation he acquired general esteem, and improved his connections, so that at length he began to entertain thoughts of setting up for himself. This he brought to effect by means of a partnership with one Meredith, a fellowworkman, whose father was capable of advancing some money. They took a house in Philadelphia; and Franklin has recorded the extra ordinary pleasure he received from a payment of five shillings, the first fruits of their earnings. "The recollection of what I felt on this occasion," says he, "has rendered me more disposed, than perhaps I should otherwise have been, to encourage young beginners in trade:" an amiable effect, indicating the radical benevolence of his heart. His habitual industry was now sharpened by the consciousness of working for his own benefit. It obtained the notice of some of the leading men of the place, and, joined to his punctuality, gave him increasing reputation. A club which he instituted, under the name of the Junto, for the purpose of the discussion of political and philosophical questions, proved an excellent school of mutual improvement among the members, and united them in supporting each other's interests. The queries put to the candidates for admission, by way of test, deserve copying, as indicating the liberal and philanthropical spirit of the founder. "Do you sincerely declare that you love mankind in general, of what profession or religion soever? Do you think any person ought to be harmed in his body, name, or goods, for mere speculative opinions, or his external way of worship? Do you love truth for truth's sake; and will you endeavour impartially to find and receive it yourself, and communicate it to others?" Franklin and his partner ventured to set up a new public paper, which his efforts both as a writer and a printer caused to succeed, and they also obtained the printing of the votes and laws of the assembly. In process of time, Meredith withdrew from the partnership, and Franklin met with friends who enabled him to take the whole concern, and add to it the business of a stationer. A discussion concerning a new emission of papermoney taking place, he wrote an anonymous pamphlet in favour of the measure, which was well received, and contributed to its success.

This obtained for him farther countenance from persons in power, and ensured his prosperity. He confesses that at this time he was drawn into improper connections with the sex, owing, probably, to the disappointment he met with in the object of his first attachment, miss Read, who had been induced by his neglect to marry another person. From this man, however, she was soon separated, on account of a report that he had a former wife living; and he had removed to the West Indies, where he died. The lovers renewed their intercourse, and in September, 1730, they ventured to marry, though yet in some degree uncertain of her widowhood. She proved a good and faithful companion, and essentially contributed to his comfort and prosperity.

Hitherto we have been tracing the history only of an humble tradesman, rendered inte-. resting by the example it affords of gradual advance by means of frugality and industry, and of the developement of a strong and sagacious mind. We are now to view his progress in the characters of politician and philosopher; but it is to be regretted that at the very commencement of this period we lose the thread of narration from his own pen, which has hitherto conducted us. His friend, Dr. Stuber, of Philadelphia, has in some degree supplied this defect; and other sources of information have not been neglected.

The establishment of the public library in Philadelphia, was one of the useful projects of Franklin, which he brought to effect in 1731. He had the satisfaction of seeing and aiding its advance to that flourishing state which it has long attained. In 1732 he began to publish his "Poor Richard's Almanac." This work became remarkable by the number of excellent prudential maxims occasionally inserted in it, distinguished by a proverbial point and conciseness, and calculated to be indelibly impressed upon the memory. They have been collected into a single short piece entitled "The Way to Wealth," which has been published in a variety of forms. His proper political career commenced in 1736, when he was appointed clerk to the general assembly of Pennsylvania. To this office he was re-elected for several years, till he became a representative. In the next year he obtained the valuable office of postmaster to the city of Philadelphia. In 1738 he improved the police of the city with respect to the dreadful calamity of fire, by forming a society called the fire-company, to which was afterwards added an insurance-company against losses by fire. losses by fire. In the French war of 1744

when it became a question to secure the province against the inroads of the enemy, a militia-bill was recommended by the governor to the assembly, which a dispute between the proprietary interest and that of the citizens at large prevented from being carried. Franklin at this crisis stood forth, and proposed a plan of voluntary association for defence, which was immediately signed by 1200 persons; and being circulated through the province, at length obtained 10,000 subscriptions. This may be reckoned a very important step towards acquainting America with her strength, and the means of bringing it into action.

It was about this time that he made a commencement of those electrical experiments which have conferred so much celebrity on his name. Peter Collinson (see his life) had sent, in 1745.to the Library-society of Philadelphia, an account of the curious facts relative to electricity which then engaged the attention of the European philosophers, together with a tube for experiments, and directions for its use. Franklin, together with some of his friends, immediately began to apply to the subject. His discoveries, were communicated in three publications, entitled "New Experiments and Observations in Electricity, made at Philadelphia in America," in the form of letters to Mr. Collinson. Their dates are from 1747 to 1754. These were universally read and admired; and Dr. Priestley (History of Electricity) says of them, "It is not easy to say whether we are most pleased with the simplicity and perspicuity with which these letters are written, the modesty with which the author proposes every hypothesis of his own, or the noble frankness with which he relates his mistakes, when they were corrected by subsequent experiments." Referring to the work above quoted for a particular account of our philosopher's new ideas and discoveries, we shall only give a sketch of the most important of them. Having been led to think that in the excitation of the electric tube, the fluid was conveyed from the person who rubbed it, to him who touched it, he designated the state of the latter by the expression of being electrified positively, or plus, as having received more than his original quantity of electric fire; while the former was said to be electrified negatively, or minus, as having lost a part of his natural portion of the same. This led him to the capital discovery with respect to the manner of charging the Leyden phial; the theory of which is, that when one side of the glass is electrified plus, the other is electrified minus; so that in charging it, all that is done is to throw the elec

tric fire from one side, and convey it to the 'other; while discharging it is the restoration of the equilibrium. the equilibrium. 1 his theory he confirmed by a set of very ingenious experiments, which have generally been thought decisive; and accordingly it has made its way against all opposition. He farther proved that the accumulated electric fire in the charged side of the phial resided not in the coating, but in the pores of the glass itself. The most brilliant, however, of his discoveries, was that of the identity of the electric fire and that of lightning. Their similarity had been suspected, and some experiments, according to his directions, had begun to be made in France towards the verification of the fact; but Frankin completed the demonstration of it entirely by his own experiments. They were guided by the extraordinary power he had observed to be possessed by pointed bodies in attracting and throwing off the electric fire. The first positive proof he obtained of his problem was in June, 1752, when, by means of a silken kite furnished with an iron point, and having a key appended at the termination of its hempen string, he drew down from a passing thundercloud electric fire enough to yield sensible sparks from the key. He afterwards fixed an insulated iron rod upon his house, which drew down the lightning, and gave him an opportunity of examining whether it was positive or negative As utility was in his mind the great end of philosophical investigation, he immediately applied this grand discovery to the securing of buildings from the effects of lightning, which are particularly alarming on the continent of North America. By means of pointed metallic conductors projecting from the top of the building, he conceived that the passing thunder-clouds might be made to discharge their fire silently and innoxiously; and such was the confidence in his opinion, that these conductors soon came to be generally used in America, and were adopted in England and other countries. He gave an instance of his application of physics to the purposes of common life by his invention, in 1745, of the Pennsylvania fire-places, combining the quali ties of an open grate with that of a stove.

Politics continued to be a great object of his attention, as it can scarcely fail to be of every public-spirited man in a popular government. In 1747 he was elected a representative of the city of Philadelphia to the general assembly of the province. At that time a contest subsisted between the assembly and the proprietaries, chiefly with respect to the claim of the latter to have their property exempted from the pub

opened a warehouse in that city. He soon obtained a considerable knowledge of trade, and passed his time happily, till the death of Mr. Denham in 1727 dissolved the connection. He was again obliged to apply for support to the press, and accepted an offer from Keimer to become the superintendant of his office. In this situation he acquired general esteem, and improved his connections, so that at length he began to entertain thoughts of setting up for himself. This he brought to effect by means of a partnership with one Meredith, a fellowworkman, whose father was capable of advancing some money. They took a house in Philadelphia; and Franklin has recorded the extra ordinary pleasure he received from a payment of five shillings, the first fruits of their earnings. "The recollection of what I felt on this occasion," says he, "has rendered me more disposed, than perhaps I should otherwise have been, to encourage young beginners in trade:" an amiable effect, indicating the radical benevolence of his heart. His habitual industry was now sharpened by the consciousness of working for his own benefit. It obtained the notice of some of the leading men of the place, and, joined to his punctuality, gave him increasing reputation. A club which he instituted, under the name of the Junto, for the purpose of the discussion of political and philosophical questions, proved an excellent school of mutual improvement among the members, and united them in supporting each other's interests. The queries put to the candidates for admission, by way of test, deserve copying, as indicating the liberal and philanthropical spirit of the founder. "Do you sincerely declare that you love mankind in general, of what profession or religion soever? Do you think any person ought to be harmed in his body, name, or goods, for mere speculative opinions, or his external way of worship? Do you love truth for truth's sake; and will you endeavour impartially to find and receive it yourself, and Communicate it to others?" Franklin and his partner ventured to set up a new public paper, which his efforts both as a writer and a printer caused to succeed, and they also obtained the printing of the votes and laws of the assembly. In process of time, Meredith withdrew from the partnership, and Franklin met with friends who enabled him to take the whole concern, and add to it the business of a stationer. A discussion concerning a new emission of papermoney taking place, he wrote an anonymous pamphlet in favour of the measure, which was well received, and contributed to its success.

This obtained for him farther countenance from persons in power, and ensured his prosperity. He confesses that at this time he was drawn into improper connections with the sex, owing, probably, to the disappointment he met. with in the object of his first attachment, miss Read, who had been induced by his neglect to marry another person. From this man, however, she was soon separated, on account of a report that he had a former wife living; and he had removed to the West Indies, where he died. The lovers renewed their intercourse, and in September, 1730, they ventured to marry, though yet in some degree uncertain of her widowhood. She proved a good and faithful companion, and essentially contributed to his comfort and prosperity.

Hitherto we have been tracing the history only of an humble tradesman, rendered interesting by the example it affords of gradual advance by means of frugality and industry, and of the developement of a strong and sagacious mind. We are now to view his progress in the characters of politician and philosopher; but it is to be regretted that at the very commencement of this period we lose the thread of narration from his own pen, which has hitherto conducted us. His friend, Dr. Stuber, of Philadelphia, has in some degree supplied this defect; and other sources of information have not been neglected.

The establishment of the public library in Philadelphia, was one of the useful projects of Franklin, which he brought to effect in 1731. He had the satisfaction of seeing and aiding its advance to that flourishing state which it has long attained. In 1732 he began to publish his "Poor Richard's Almanac." This work became remarkable by the number of excellent prudential maxims occasionally inserted in it, distinguished by a proverbial point and conciseness, and calculated to be indelibly impressed upon the memory. They have been collected into a single short piece entitled "The Way to Wealth," which has been published in a variety of forms. His proper political career commenced in 1736, when he was appointed clerk to the general assembly of Pennsylvania. To this office he was re-elected for several years, till he became a representative. In the next year he obtained the valuable office of postmaster to the city of Philadelphia. In 1738 he improved the police of the city with respect to the dreadful calamity of fire, by forming a society called the fire-company, to which was afterwards added an insurance-company against losses by fire. In the French war of 17449

when it became a question to secure the province against the inroads of the enemy, a militia-bill was recommended by the governor to the assembly, which a dispute between the proprietary interest and that of the citizens at large prevented from being carried. Franklin at this crisis stood forth, and proposed a plan of voluntary association for defence, which was immediately signed by 1200 persons; and being circulated through the province, at length obtained 10,000 subscriptions. This may be reckoned a very important step towards acquainting America with her strength, and the means of bringing it into action.

It was about this time that he made a commencement of those electrical experiments which have conferred so much celebrity on his name. Peter Collinson (see his life) had sent, in 1745.to the Library-society of Philadelphia, an account of the curious facts relative to electricity which then engaged the attention of the European philosophers, together with a tube for experiments, and directions for its use. Franklin, together with some of his friends, immediately began to apply to the subject. His discoveries, were communicated in three publications, entitled "New Experiments and Observations in Electricity, made at Philadelphia in America," in the form of letters to Mr. Collinson. Their dates are from 1747 to 1754. These were universally read and admired; and Dr. Priestley (History of Electricity) says of them, "It is not easy to say whether we are most pleased with the simplícity and perspicuity with which these letters are written, the modesty with which the author proposes every hypothesis of his own, or the noble frankness with which he relates his mistakes, when they were corrected by subsequent experiments." Referring to the work above quoted for a particular account of our philosopher's new ideas and discoveries, we shall only give a sketch of the most important of them. Having been led to think that in the excitation of the electric tube, the fluid was conveyed from the person who rubbed it, to him who touched it, he designated the state of the latter by the expression of being electrified positively, or plus, as having received more than his original quantity of electric fire; while the former was said to be electrified negatively, or minus, as having lost a part of his natural portion of the same. This led him to the capital discovery with respect to the manner of charging the Leyden phial; the theory of which is, that when one side of the glass is electrified plus, the other is electrified minus; so that in charging it, all that is done is to throw the elec

tric fire from one side, and convey it to the 'other; while discharging it is the restoration of the equilibrium. This theory he confirmed by a set of very ingenious experiments, which have generally been thought decisive; and accordingly it has made its way against all opposition. He farther proved that the accumulated electric fire in the charged side of the phial resided not in the coating, but in the pores of the glass itself. The most brilliant, however, of his discoveries, was that of the identity of the electric fire and that of lightning. Their similarity had been suspected, and some experiments, according to his directions, had begun to be made in France towards the verification of the fact; but Franklin completed the demonstration of it entirely by his own experiments. They were guided by the extraordinary power he had observed to be possessed by pointed bodies in attracting and throwing off the electric fire. The first positive proof he obtained of his problem was in June, 1752, when, by means of a silken kite furnished with an iron point, and having a key appended at the termination of its hempen string, he drew down from a passing thundercloud electric fire enough to yield sensible sparks from the key. He afterwards fixed an insulated iron rod upon his house, which drew down the lightning, and gave him an opportunity of examining whether it was positive or negative. As utility was in his mind the great end of philosophical investigation, he immediately applied this grand discovery to the securing of buildings from the effects of lightning, which are particularly alarming on the continent of North America. By means of pointed metallic conductors projecting from the top of the building, he conceived that the passing thunder-clouds might be made to discharge their fire silently and innoxiously; and such was the confidence in his opinion, that these conductors soon came to be generally used in America, and were adopted in England and other countries. He gave an instance of his application of physics to the purposes of common life by his invention, in 1745, of the Pennsylvania fire-places, combining the quali ties of an open grate with that of a stove.

Politics continued to be a great object of his attention, as it can scarcely fail to be of every public-spirited man in a popular government. in 1747 he was elected a representative of the In city of Philadelphia to the general assembly of the province. At that time a contest subsisted. between the assembly and the proprietaries, chiefly with respect to the claim of the latter to have their property exempted from the pub