This biography of Franklin considers all his work in the sciences. During the rise and fall of the first British Empire, science became central to public culture and Franklin¿s achievements as a natural philosopher played a central role in his rise in politics. Having demonstrated that he could master nature, Franklin showed that he was suited to solve problems in the human realm. But his exper. with elec. were only part of Franklin¿s accomplishments. He charted the Gulf Stream, made important observations in meteorology, and used the science of ¿political arithmetic¿ to make statements about America¿s power. Even as he stepped onto the world stage as a diplomat in the years leading up to the Amer.

Revol., his fascination with nature was unrelenting. Illus.