DOCSLIB.ORG

Kiting up the Sky: the Vehicles of Understanding

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Kiting up the Sky: the Vehicles of Understanding News for Schools from the Smithsonian Institution. Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. Washington, D.C. 20560 September1991 Kiting Up the Sky: The Vehicles of Understanding Written by Ann Bay After decades of being a toy that appeared for only a few weeks each spring, kites have made a comeback. In fact, some people are even talking of a "Kite Renaissance." Now you can-in your school classroom­ capitalize on this worldwide resurgence of interest in kites and kiting. This issue of ART TO ZOO is designed to give you and your students a perspective on the importance of kites, not only as toys but also as highly versatile and practical devices that have figured prominently over the years in many areas of human endeavor, from weather forecasting to bridge building, to military reconnaissance. We've included for class discussion an explanation of how kites fly, as well as an outline of the history ofkiting. In addition, there are directions (on the Pull-Out Page) for making a rather modem kind of kite known as a "sled." By following "ifo~~C'~y4i~cti(n:l,,:,~_~'Ou:r .stllMntS.' ca:n..;;der:n.o:n~tr..a:te..fc!" themselves LIFT, WEIGHT, THRUST, and DRAG, the basic principles underlying most kinds of flight, including the flight of airplanes and gliders, as well as kites. A collection of kite-inspired writing exercises by Tom Lowderbaugh serves to round out the issue. And now to begin at the beginning, with some important kite facts. Important Kite Facts: What is a Kite? ... and How Does It Fly? A kite is a tethered heavier-than-air craft that derives its lift solely from the air. A kite depends on the wind Sisters Jeannie (in front) and Meghann Long flying kites in front of the Smithsonian "Castle," on the Mall, in to overcome gravity ... and all kites, regardless of Washington, D.C. their size or shape, have these three features: wind). An airplane, on the other hand, is moving into activities have been developed involving flight­ • one or more surfaces to be acted on by the wind the air, powered by engines. including hot air ballooning, sky diving, hang gliding, • a bridle to hold the kite at an efficient lifting angle Once your students have a visual picture of the and the throwing of boomerangs, frisbees, and paper • a flying line to keep the kite from blowing away. forces enabling a kite to fly, they should be able to gliders. Older than any of these activities, however, is gr~sp the significance of the various developments in kite flying, which dates back to around 1000 B.C. The deltoid-shaped kite illustrated on this page shows kite design and application that have occurred over the China is usually considered the place of origin of the arrangement of these three features on a traditional years. Now, here for class discussion, is a brief, the kite. Although no one knows for certain when or kite with a wood frame. anecdotal history ofkites. how the world's first kite was flown, a favorite theory The basic forces enabling the flight of kites (and is that a Chinese farmer whose hat blew off in the also of airplanes) are these: LIFT, WEIGHT, THRUST, and wind was so fascinated to see that his hat could "fly" DRAG. Lift is an upward force. Weight is a downward that he later attached a string to it and launched it as a force. Thrust is a forward force. And drag is a Class Discussion on the kite. Silk, produced in China as early as 2600 B.C., backward force. Look at the two pictures below. may have been an important material from which early History of Kites kites were made, as most likely was paper. Broad The difference between the flight of a kite and the People have long dreamed of flying, and airplanes and leaves and frames of sticks or bamboo strips may also flight of an airplane is that a kite is held in position by spacecraft are direct results of this dream. Besides have provided the makings for early kites. the flying line and derives its life from moving air (the these history-making inventions, many recreational One of the earliest legends of kiting is that of General Han Hsin, who helped to establish the Han Dynasty as one of the most powerful dynasties in LIFT t Chinese history. In 206 B.c., the general and a small t LIFT band of soldiers camped outside the walls of a palace controlled by the enemy. The problem facing Han .e Hsin was how to conquer the well-fortified palace with C) only a few soldiers. After some consideration, Han '" +- DRAG THRUST 0+ DRAG THRUST ~ Hsin built a kite and sent it aloft until it flew over the "- Against Air +- Into Air 0+ 51 palace walls. Then he carefully marked the length of line that had been required for the kite to go that distance. This told his soldiers how long a tunnel they WEIGHT Ii WEIGHT would have to dig to get inside the palace walls and take the enemy by surprise-which is exactly what + II .+ 1 they finally did! Thus Han Hsin won his battle and the The same forces act on both airplanes and kites. (The airplane is a Grumman XF2F-1, a U.S. Navy fighter plane kite victoriously entered recorded history. dating from the mid-1930s.) Continued on page 2 continued from page 1 carriage with kites at speeds of up to twenty miles an ONE ANOTHER .•. OR ANY OF THEIR PETS ... INTO TIIB hour. AIR WITH KITES! As the next point in class discussion, tell the From that day forward, down through the centuries, Aerial photography. The first photographs showing children that some of the most significant of practical the kite has proven itself a highly versatile invention. the extensive devastation of the 1906 San Francisco kite experiments in history were conducted during the Here are just a few of the innovative-and often earthquake were taken by a giant camera-heavier 1800s in connection with the development of early useful-functions that kites have served over the than a piano-attached to a train of high-flying kites. airplanes. Those were the days when engineers, years! inventors, and adventurers were hard at work trying to Scaring the enemy and other military uses. From the make the dream of manned flight a reality. In their Lazy floating. Your students may be familiar with time that kites were first invented until the advent of Dayton, Ohio, bicycle shop, Wilbur Wright built a box Benjamin Franklin's famous kite experiment proving the airplane (and even since then), kites have been put kite, rigged it with four flying lines, and flew it in a that electricity provided by lightning produces the to all kinds of military uses by different countries. For nearby meadow. For several years, he and his brother same effects as electricity of human manufacture. example ... Orville built gliders and after testing them as kites, What the children may not know is that Benjamin piloted them from the sand .dunes near Kitty Hawk, Franklin also used a kite for fun, to tow himself across • An early Chinese legend tells of a general who North Carolina. From these experiments, the Wright a lake while floating on his back. attached lanterns and noisemakers to kites and flew Brothers leamed the elements ofairplane controL them at night over his enemy's camp. The enemy Even after the 1903 Wright "Kitty Hawk Flyer" was so frightened by the mysterious "spirits of the made the first controlled, powered, and sustained Boat towing. In 1903, Samuel F. Cody crossed the night" that it fled without a battle. airplane flight, the Wright brothers, along with others English Channel in a boat towed by kites. in the great race to develop the airplane, continued • For many centuries, manlifting kites were used in the their interest in kites. However, except for Orient to send up spies to observe the enemy. Much experimental purposes, kite design seemed to lose its later, in the late 1800s, this method of challenge and diversity for a while. For several reconnaissance was adopted in the West, when decades, only traditional deltoid-shaped kites, along British Captain B. F. S. Baden-Powell began to build with occasional box kites, were flown-and then and fly "Levitor" kites. Baden-Powell's system was mostly just "for fun." During World War II an capable of lifting a "spotter" about one hundred feet important revival of a serious interest in kites occurred into the air to observe and photograph the enemy. with the use of kites as targets for sea-to-air gunnery and other military purposes. • During World War II, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Paul Then, in 1948 a new era in kiting began. Francis Garber,* developed "target kites" for use by the and Gertrude Rogallo invented the Flexikite, which Navy and the Army. Manipulated by two flying lines used V-shaped longitudinal sections, rather than sticks, and a rudder, these kites could be steered through all to determine its shape. sorts of fancy maneuvers, such as loops, dives, and The Flexikite did not, however, immediately change the status of kiting; rather its real significance became apparent later on. Indeed, some of the impetus for the "Kite Renaissance" we spoke of earlier in this article came from the NASA space program. Mter the Russians launched Sputnik in 1957, Francis Rogallo, working as an aeronautical engineer, used the wind tunnels at Langley Research Center in Virginia to adapt his kite designs for use on returning spacecraft.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Citizen Petition Form
    CITIZEN PETITION FORM Date: 02/26/2021 Is sue: Allow the launching and landing of paragliders within the Radium SWA Which rule are you seeking to create or revise? Please include a copy of the rule you are proposing to create or change, preferably with the change made in redline format. I am seeking an area specific exemption to the broad prohibition on the launching and landing of aircraft to restore historical I am use seeking by paragliders an area to the specific Radium State exemption Wildlife Area. to the broad prohibition on the launching and landing of aircraft within State Wildlife Areas to restore historical use by This rule is defined in the State Wildlife Area Access Rules: paragliders to the Radium SWA. Except when specifically authorized, the following activities The arerelevant PROHIBITED rule on is lands, defined waters, by frozen the following in the SWA access rules: surfaces of waters, rights-of-way, buildings or devicesExcept under when CPW control:specifically authorized, the follow activities are PROHIBITED on lands, 21.waters, To launch frozen or land aircraft,surfaces including of waters, drones. rights-of-ways, buildings or devices under CPW control: 21. To launch or land aircraft, including drones. Why are you seeking to create or revise this rule? Please include a general statement of the reasons for the requested rule or revision and any relevant information related to the request. The Radium SWA has been frequented by paraglider, hang glider, and remote control aircraft pilots since the early 1990's. Due to its large open slopes and SE aspect, it is an ideal area for morning and midday flying.
    [Show full text]
  • Franklin's Kite Experiment
    Benjamin Franklin and Future Science From Lightning to Lighting: Physics and Technology Discharged from Franklin’s Kite Experiment Robert McGrath The Ohio State University [email protected] American Vacuum Society 53rd International Symposium & Exhibition November 16, 2006 1 1726 - 1745 Franklin Established Himself as a Printer in Philadelphia • Prior to 1744, Franklin conducted scientific observations and investigations on effects heat absorption, earthquakes, comets, northern lights, lunar eclipses, paths of storms and invented the “Pennsylvania” stove. • Franklin had a particular interest in Fire Safety: – 1730 - Fire destroyed Fishbourn’s Wharf and surrounding homes; – 1733 - He Published articles in the Pennsylvania Gazette on the failings of fire fighting and prevention in Philadelphia and in 1735 on licensing Chimney Sweeps and forming a fire company like those he had observed in Boston; – December 1736 - Helped found Union Fire Company in Philadelphia; Contributionship – April 1752 - Helped establish the Philadelphia Fire Mark Contributionship, an insurance company for the victims of placed on homes fires. protected by their insurance 2 March 1747: “during the months past, had little leisure for any thing else” • 1744 Philadelphia - Franklin attended an electrical demonstration by Dr. Spencer, sparking his interest in the subject. • 1745 - He received an “electrical tube” from Peter Collinson and begins an intense investigation of electricity. Static Electricity Tube circa 1747 • 28 March, 1747 - Short thank you letter to Collinson:
    [Show full text]
  • Soft Kites—George Webster
    Page 6 The Kiteflier, Issue 102 Soft Kites—George Webster Section 1 years for lifting loads such as timber in isolated The first article I wrote about kites dealt with sites. Jalbert developed it as a response to the Deltas, which were identified as —one of the kites bending of the spars of large kites which affected which have come to us from 1948/63, that their performance. The Kytoon is a snub-nosed amazingly fertile period for kites in America.“ The gas-inflated balloon with two horizontal and two others are sled kites (my second article) and now vertical planes at the rear. The horizontals pro- soft kites (or inflatable kites). I left soft kites un- vide additional lift which helps to reduce a teth- til last largely because I know least about them ered balloon‘s tendency to be blown down in and don‘t fly them all that often. I‘ve never anything above a medium wind. The vertical made one and know far less about the practical fins give directional stability (see Pelham, p87). problems of making and flying large soft kites– It is worth nothing that in 1909 the airship even though I spend several weekends a year —Baby“ which was designed and constructed at near to some of the leading designers, fliers and Farnborough has horizontal fins and a single ver- their kites. tical fin. Overall it was a broadly similar shape although the fins were proportionately smaller. —Soft Kites“ as a kite type are different to deal It used hydrogen to inflate bag and fins–unlike with, compared to say Deltas, as we are consid- the Kytoon‘s single skinned fin.
    [Show full text]
  • Arci Copy C Available to NASA Offices and Research Centers Only
    NASA RESF_CH ON FLEXIBLE wINGS By Francis M. Rogallo NASA Langley Research Center Langley station_ Hampton, Va. Presented at the international Congress of Subsonic Aeronautics Gp 0 p_|CE $ cFSTI p_lCE(,S_ $ _arci copy _c_ N_,cro_che _MF) ,ff 653 JuW 65 New york_ New york April .5-6_ 1967 Available to NASA Offices and Research Centers Only, U. NASA RESEARCH ON FLEXIBLE WINGS By Francis M. Rogallo NASA Langley Research Center SUMMARY Flexible wings are wings made of very loose or slack cloth whose configu- ration in flight is maintained by the combination of the aerodynamic forces and the reactions from the load suspension system. Such wings can be completely flexible_ or they may be stiffened in several ways to meet the requirements of particular applications. Wing planforms and the geometry of the load suspension system are also subject to wide variations. The overall spectrum of flexible wings investigated at the Langley Research Center is presented and the state of the art with regard to maximum lift-drag ratios obtained is defined for a wide range of wing configurations. Maximum lift-drag ratios above 3.0 were obtained on completely flexible wings; and for cylindrical-type flexible wings, values of lift-drag ratios up to 17.0 were obtained when the wing had small, tapered rigid leading edges. The flexible wings of most immediate interest are those with no structural stiffening because they have weight, volume, packing, and deployment character- istics potentially as good as those of conventional parachutes, but provide a stable and controllable glide with performance adequate for aerial delivery of cargo and personnel, for landing space capsules, boosters, or hypersonic air- craft, and as emergency wings for aircraft or aircraft escape systems.
    [Show full text]
  • A Decade of Kiting Memories by Peter and Sarah Bindon
    THE In this edition Spring 2020 INSIDE: A decade of kiting memories by Peter and Sarah Bindon Also in this edition: ALSO IN THIS EDITION: Thailand and Malaysia Kite Tour Kite Competition – Mike Rourke wins again! KAP made easy with Alan Poxon Sarah Bindon takes the Questionnaire Challenge John’s new kite ...tails Alicja from Poland kite workshop Annual General Meeting NEW Chairman – Keith Proctor NEW Membership Secretary – Ian Duncalf A message from Keith; At the 2020 AGM I gave up the role of Membership Secretary that I Ian had held since 2011/12, and handed it over to Ian Duncalf who I believe is much better qualified to improve and update the system to allow online membership application and Keith with outgoing renewal. I took on the role of chairman but I’m still not sure how this Chairman Len Royles all came about! So this is my first official post in the NKG magazine. This year I think will be described as an “annus horribilis” for the Len stood down as disruption of everyday life as we know it. I fear that for a lot of people, Chairman after six life will never be the same again. We have never experienced this years but will continue before. But if we all follow the guidelines about staying at home, to play an active part washing hands, keeping your distance from others we can pick up in the Group by taking our kite-flying again, possibly later this year and if not then next year. the childrens’ rainbow Good luck and good health to you all and your loved ones in the delta kites to festivals.
    [Show full text]
  • University of Montana Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club Membership Application
    University of Montana Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club Membership Application Name________________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________ Phone#‘s_____________________________Email____________________________________ USHPA Pilot number________________ Rating______________Expiration date_____________ Glider manufacturer, model and color_______________________________________________ Vehicle make, model, color____________________________________ License#___________ Dues paid:__________________________Date:_______________ Driver’s name___________________________________ Phone #_______________________ Driver’s name___________________________________ Phone #_______________________ BY SIGNING THIS FORM, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE A COPY OF AND UNDERSTAND, THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FLIGHT DOCUMENT, CREATED FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA HANG GLIDING AND PARAGLIDING CLUB. YOU MUST INITIAL EACH PARAGRAPH IN THE DOCUMENT, SIGN THIS FORM, AND RETURN IT TO THE UM HANG GLIDING AND PARAGLIDING CLUB BEFORE YOU FLY THIS SITE. NO EXCEPTIONS. IF YOU CANNOT HONESTLY INITIAL ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS BECAUSE YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND SOMETHING, PLEASE GET CLARIFICATION. IF YOU ARE UNWILLING, FOR ANY REASON, TO INITIAL ANY OF THE PARAGRAPHS IN THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FLIGHT DOCUMENT, DO NOT FLY THIS SITE! THERE ARE OTHER SITES THAT WOULD BE MORE SUITED TO YOUR NEEDS. Name (printed)________________________________________________ Signature_______________________________________Date_______________
    [Show full text]
  • Klipsun Magazine, 1996, Volume 26, Issue 06-September
    Western Washington University Western CEDAR Klipsun Magazine Western Student Publications 9-1996 Klipsun Magazine, 1996, Volume 26, Issue 06 - September Stephanie Thomson Western Washington University Follow this and additional works at: https://cedar.wwu.edu/klipsun_magazine Part of the Higher Education Commons, and the Journalism Studies Commons Recommended Citation Thomson, Stephanie, "Klipsun Magazine, 1996, Volume 26, Issue 06 - September" (1996). Klipsun Magazine. 174. https://cedar.wwu.edu/klipsun_magazine/174 This Issue is brought to you for free and open access by the Western Student Publications at Western CEDAR. It has been accepted for inclusion in Klipsun Magazine by an authorized administrator of Western CEDAR. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Editor’s Note Klipsun n the past few years, Klipsun has offered issues with assorted themes, such as politics, consumerism, women’s issues and rela­ W Washington University tionships. When the other editors and I sat down to select which Iarticles we wanted to run in this issue, we realized three stories shared VOLUME 26, ISSUE 6 a common theme — they all related to the performing arts. EDITOR: Stephanie Thomson MANAGING EDITOR: Heather Wlslet Jeremy Stiles gives us a sample of an ordinary open mic night STORY EDITORS: Collin Coyne at a downtown Bellingham bar, where performers with visions of star­ Wendy Gross PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR: Tim Klein dom come together with performers who don’t have the same aspira­ LAYOUT COORDINATOR: Loc Nguyen tions but do share a love for music. illustrator: Kelly Jacksoii Wendy Gross spent time at Seattle’s O.K. Hotel interviewing STAFF WRITERS several Northwest poets prior to writing her article on spoken word Shelby Benny Joanna Cerar performances.
    [Show full text]
  • BHPA Elementary Pilot Training Guide
    The British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association VERSION 2.4 welcome! JOE SCHOFIELD, EDITOR Since the early 1970s, the BHPA and its predecessors (the British Hang Gliding Association and the British Association of Paragliding Clubs) have worked hard to build a reputation as a well-run and respected sports governing body, and it has for many years been recognised and respected by the Civil Aviation Authority, the Royal Aero Club and the Fédération Aeronautique Internationale. Assisted by highly-qualified professional staff, the BHPA runs a pilot rating scheme, airworthiness schemes for the aircraft we fly, a school registration scheme, an instructor assessment and rating scheme, a pilot development structure and training courses for instructors and coaches. Within your membership fee is also provided third party insurance and, for full annual or three-month trial members, a subscription to the highly-regarded monthly Skywings magazine. The Elementary Pilot Training Guide exists to answer all those basic questions you have such as: ‘Is it difficult to learn to fly?' and ‘Will it take me long to learn?' In answer to those two questions, I should say that it is no more difficult to learn to fly than to learn to drive a car; probably somewhat easier. We were all beginners Photo: Kath Wallace once and are well aware that the main requirement, if you want much more than a ‘taster', is commitment. Keep at it and you will Welcome to free flying and to the BHPA’s Elementary Pilot Training succeed. In answer to the second question I can only say that in Guide, designed to help new pilots under training to progress to spite of our best efforts we still cannot control the weather, and their first milestone - the Elementary Pilot award.
    [Show full text]
  • United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association 1 FAA Resources Page for Instructors the U.S. Hang Gliding and Paraglid
    United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association FAA Resources Page for Instructors The U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) is required by the FAA to ensure that flight training provides sufficient understanding of information provided in the FAA Pilot's Handbook and the Powered Parachute Handbook, and that all hang glider and paraglider student pilots have access to both handbooks. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains these instructional materials as free online resources to provide essential information for all pilots. Content from both manuals is already integrated into USHPA's pilot training program as applicable. The USHPA has compiled a list of some of the most relevant materials from both handbooks and summarized it, along with the corresponding chapter numbers, below. An overview of FAR part 103 is also included. (See here for a webpage with this information for student pilots.) Please feel free to reference this list and recommend the handbooks or specific chapters to students that might benefit from further study. FAA Manual Topics Preflight and Other Flight Preparations Chapter 5, Powered Parachute Handbook Before launching, it’s important to complete a preflight to ensure that everything is flight- ready. A key part of the preflight is confirming that everything is assembled correctly and is in good condition on the hang glider or paraglider. Students (and their instructor if flying tandem) should also make sure that they are mentally and physically prepared for the flight, the weather conditions are appropriate, and no external pressures should disrupt the flight. (PPH 5-1) Finally, before launching, the pilot(s) must ensure that they are securely attached to the glider.
    [Show full text]
  • An Introduction and Brief History
    KITES An Introduction and Brief History SKY WIND WORLD.ORG FLYING A ROKAKKU - FLYING BUFFALO PROJECT HISTORY From China kites spread to neighboring countries and across the seas to the Pacific region. At the same time they spread across Burma, India and arriving in North Africa about 1500 years ago. They did not arrive in Europe or America until much later probably via the trade routes Kites are thought to have originated in China about 3000 years ago. One story is that a fisherman was out on a windy day and his hat blew away and got caught on his fishing line which was then when these areas developed. blown up in to the air. Bamboo was a ready source of straight sticks for spars and silk fabric was available to make a light covering, then in the 2nd century AD paper was invented and is still used to this day. PHYSICS Kites fly when thrust, lift, drag and gravity are balanced. The flying line and bridle hold the kite at an angle to the wind so that the air flows faster across the top than the bottom producing the lift. THE PARTS OF A KITE 1 THE SAIL • This can be made of any material such as paper, fabric or plastic. • It is used to trap the air. The air must have somewhere to escape otherwise it spills over the front edge and makes the kite wobble. This can be done by using porous fabric or making it bend backwards to allow the air to slip smoothly over the side.
    [Show full text]
  • Abou T B En Fran Klin
    3 Continuing Eventsthrough December 31,2006 January 17– March 15, 2006 LEAD SPONSOR B F o O u f O o nding Father nding r KS 1 In Philadelphia EVERYONE IS READING about Ben Franklin www.library.phila.gov The Autobiography Ben and Me Franklin: The Essential of Benjamin Franklin BY ROBERT LAWSON Founding Father RBY BENeJAMIN FRAsNKLIN ource BY JAGMES SRODES uide One Book, One Philadelphia The Books — Three Books for One Founding Father In 2006, One Book, One Philadelphia is joining Ben Franklin 300 Philadelphia to celebrate the tercentenary (300 years) of Franklin’s birth. Franklin’s interests were diverse and wide-ranging. Countless volumes have been written about him. The challenge for the One Book program was to choose works that would adequately capture the true essence of the man and his times. Because of the complexity of this year’s subject, and in order to promote the widest participation possible, One Book, One Philadelphia has chosen to offer not one, but three books about Franklin. This year’s theme will be “Three Books for One Founding Father.” The featured books are: • The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin (various editions) • Ben and Me by Robert Lawson (1939, Little, Brown & Company) • Franklin: The Essential Founding Father by James Srodes (2002, Regnery Publishing, Inc.) The Authors BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, author of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, was born in 1706 and died in 1790 at the age of 84. He was an author, inventor, businessman, scholar, scientist, revolutionary, and statesman whose contributions to Philadelphia and the world are countless.
    [Show full text]
  • Benjamin Franklin 1 Benjamin Franklin
    Benjamin Franklin 1 Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin 6th President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania In office October 18, 1785 – December 1, 1788 Preceded by John Dickinson Succeeded by Thomas Mifflin 23rd Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly In office 1765–1765 Preceded by Isaac Norris Succeeded by Isaac Norris United States Minister to France In office 1778–1785 Appointed by Congress of the Confederation Preceded by New office Succeeded by Thomas Jefferson United States Minister to Sweden In office 1782–1783 Appointed by Congress of the Confederation Preceded by New office Succeeded by Jonathan Russell 1st United States Postmaster General In office 1775–1776 Appointed by Continental Congress Preceded by New office Succeeded by Richard Bache Personal details Benjamin Franklin 2 Born January 17, 1706 Boston, Massachusetts Bay Died April 17, 1790 (aged 84) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Nationality American Political party None Spouse(s) Deborah Read Children William Franklin Francis Folger Franklin Sarah Franklin Bache Profession Scientist Writer Politician Signature [1] Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 [O.S. January 6, 1705 ] – April 17, 1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. He invented the lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, a carriage odometer, and the glass 'armonica'. He formed both the first public lending library in America and the first fire department in Pennsylvania.
    [Show full text]