What do you think?
Rate this book
The First Scientific American: Benjamin Franklin and the Pursuit of Genius
Famous, fascinating Benjamin Franklin-he would be neither without his accomplishments in science. In this authoritative intellectual biography of America’s most brilliant and cosmopolitan Founding Father, Joyce Chaplin considers Franklin’s scientific work as a career in its own right as well as the basis of his political thought. The famous kite and other experiments with electricity were only part of Franklin’s accomplishments. He charted the Gulf Stream, made important observations in meteorology, and used the burgeoning science of “political arithmetic” to make unprecedented statements about America’s power. Even as he stepped onto the world stage as an illustrious statesman and diplomat in the years leading up to the American Revolution, his fascination with nature was unrelenting.
432 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 1905
9 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Joyce E. Chaplin
18 books10 followersJoyce E. Chaplin (born July 28, 1960, in Antioch, California) is an American historian and academic known for her writing and research on early American history, environmental history, and intellectual history. She is the James Duncan Phillips Professor of Early American History at Harvard University. She was a Guggenheim Fellow and American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow of 2019. In 2020 she was elected to the American Philosophical Society.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 11, 2021
While the subject matter really attracts me, I felt like the author of the book clung too closely to her scholarship and dried out what otherwise should have been a tasty intellectual meal. Those who want more of a narrative of the famed Ben Franklin's life should begin elsewhere and get their bearings on the political dimension of his experiences first. Then, proceed to this book. For Ben Franklin, like the bifocal spectacles he invented, does need to be seen through two different lenses: the political, and the scientific.
This book makes one aware that the latter was his primary calling through life--a member of the royal societies of London and Paris, Franklin maintained cosmopolitan relationships with the thinkers of Europe and contributed to various bodies of knowledge of the time (including the first systematic sea-surface temperature readings, which prompts the author to mention #climatechange). Most of all, he had endless curiosity at a time when "philosophers" and scientists were one and the same.
The American Revolution is briefly mentioned. In fact, it becomes more of a distraction for Franklin who otherwise might have stayed in London his whole life if he had the chance. But soon, the duties of politics take from any time for science. So there is a bit of wistfulness in the story: Franklin's lost chance to continue his work, and society's days before scientific overspecialization. He's a rare figure, indeed.
This book makes one aware that the latter was his primary calling through life--a member of the royal societies of London and Paris, Franklin maintained cosmopolitan relationships with the thinkers of Europe and contributed to various bodies of knowledge of the time (including the first systematic sea-surface temperature readings, which prompts the author to mention #climatechange). Most of all, he had endless curiosity at a time when "philosophers" and scientists were one and the same.
The American Revolution is briefly mentioned. In fact, it becomes more of a distraction for Franklin who otherwise might have stayed in London his whole life if he had the chance. But soon, the duties of politics take from any time for science. So there is a bit of wistfulness in the story: Franklin's lost chance to continue his work, and society's days before scientific overspecialization. He's a rare figure, indeed.
February 2, 2021
Benjamin Franklin was a fascinating man. Many biographers have tackled Franklin's life, but this biography goes into his scientific achievements and how they segue into his political career. Most people know simple things about Franklin. He is on the 100 dollar bill, for example. "The First Scientific American" takes it one step further and discusses all of Franklin's scientific exploits. Joyce E Chaplin does a fine job of explaining his life in this capacity.
May 1, 2023
Unlike my friend, a special education director in Wyoming, Benjamin Franklin had the temerity to suggest that experimentation, facts, and inductive reasoning all matter. It would be safe to assert that he would be amused by our current educators and politicians, who seem to believe that is impossible to determine the difference between a man and a woman, but that it is possible to ascertain the date of a coming climate apocalypse.
Joyce E. Chaplin’s “The First Scientific American” is a brilliant account of Franklin’s life and work. First and foremost, Franklin was a man of science. Chaplin's book is not only an interesting view of 18th century science, but also a window that reveals our own Zeitgeist.
Franklin was a gentleman that did important scientific work. Notwithstanding his kites, often described by other biographers, he conducted important studies in thermodynamics, meteorology, oceanography and astronomy. A man of common origins, Franklin saw the Enlightenment Project as a vehicle for human betterment.
Chaplin clearly draws a line of demarcation between science- the knowledge of matter- and politics- the process by which values are authoritatively allocated. In so doing, the author has contributed to a more complete understanding of Franklin’s frame of reference.
The passage of time has burnished the image of Franklin as a statesman while neglecting the natural philosopher. While he held many notions we no longer accept, his mistakes were incredibly fruitful to posterity. Although his corporeal body rests beneath a marble slab beside his wife, in many respects, his spirit still informs a few of us.
An interesting read. The author’s approach is informative, yet not overly pedantic.
Joyce E. Chaplin’s “The First Scientific American” is a brilliant account of Franklin’s life and work. First and foremost, Franklin was a man of science. Chaplin's book is not only an interesting view of 18th century science, but also a window that reveals our own Zeitgeist.
Franklin was a gentleman that did important scientific work. Notwithstanding his kites, often described by other biographers, he conducted important studies in thermodynamics, meteorology, oceanography and astronomy. A man of common origins, Franklin saw the Enlightenment Project as a vehicle for human betterment.
Chaplin clearly draws a line of demarcation between science- the knowledge of matter- and politics- the process by which values are authoritatively allocated. In so doing, the author has contributed to a more complete understanding of Franklin’s frame of reference.
The passage of time has burnished the image of Franklin as a statesman while neglecting the natural philosopher. While he held many notions we no longer accept, his mistakes were incredibly fruitful to posterity. Although his corporeal body rests beneath a marble slab beside his wife, in many respects, his spirit still informs a few of us.
An interesting read. The author’s approach is informative, yet not overly pedantic.
September 12, 2017
This man had an amazing intellect and drive to learn. I was not aware of his work, nor of the contemporary "natural philosophers" he knew or communicated with. His personal life, however, was a bit puzzling.
September 16, 2009
Beautifully written, engaging perspective on Franklin's role as a scientist. By my dear friend Joyce!
July 23, 2024
A very interesting read that (unsurprisingly) focuses on Benjamin Franklin the tinkerer/experimenter. The particularly interesting angle of this book is that Franklin's statecraft is presented as a barrier to his philosophizing, instead of the main point as most histories are presented. The book does a fair job, but admittedly could d0 better, talking about how the philosopher aspect informed his statecraft. On the other hand, that's not exactly the aim of the book.
An interesting read to round out the view of a historic American nevertheless.
An interesting read to round out the view of a historic American nevertheless.
October 23, 2018
Very good on early US history and the (often neglected) history of science.
January 8, 2019
Fascinating account of an amazingly curious human. Gave me new appreciation for Franklin's Amazing accomplishments.
January 19, 2010
A good general biography that hinges itself to a different aspect of Franklin: his life as a scientist. Chaplin's book not only reveals Franklin as a scientist, but also opens the door on the nature, purposes and tenor of science in the 18th Century.
Chaplin's Franklin is a slightly different gentleman than that described by other biographers, not only in the sense of the subject as an internationally renowned natural philosopher. She also sculpts a Franklin that has a slightly different class orientation than is commonly posited. Chaplin's Franklin is a man forever pushing himself further and further away from his shopkeep, working man, middle class origins. It's not the same political philosopher who purportedly retained his ties to the middling classes because of a belief that they are the foundation of democracy, the one most often seen in books and representations, and even in Franklin's own Autobiography. This author makes a slightly different case, though; and perhaps might in that way even inadvertently wag a finger at pollyanna American fictional history and political science. Who knows.
I think the thing that detracted most from this book was its dreadful illustrations. The choices of images to reproduce are not at issue, but rather the quality achieved. To write repeatedly about Franklin's contributions to cartography and oceanography, and then provide entirely illegible illustrations to underline the point seems self-defeating. Franklin's diagrams describing certain theories and experiments, too, are reproduced so shoddily that more than once I had to throw my hands up in utter bemusement. Surely blame is to be placed with the publishers, and not with Dr. Chaplin.
Overall, I recommend this book highly to those interested in a reasonably thorough go of the subjects of Ben Franklin and Enlightenment-era sciences. The treatment is casual and interesting, while remaining informative and thorough.
Chaplin's Franklin is a slightly different gentleman than that described by other biographers, not only in the sense of the subject as an internationally renowned natural philosopher. She also sculpts a Franklin that has a slightly different class orientation than is commonly posited. Chaplin's Franklin is a man forever pushing himself further and further away from his shopkeep, working man, middle class origins. It's not the same political philosopher who purportedly retained his ties to the middling classes because of a belief that they are the foundation of democracy, the one most often seen in books and representations, and even in Franklin's own Autobiography. This author makes a slightly different case, though; and perhaps might in that way even inadvertently wag a finger at pollyanna American fictional history and political science. Who knows.
I think the thing that detracted most from this book was its dreadful illustrations. The choices of images to reproduce are not at issue, but rather the quality achieved. To write repeatedly about Franklin's contributions to cartography and oceanography, and then provide entirely illegible illustrations to underline the point seems self-defeating. Franklin's diagrams describing certain theories and experiments, too, are reproduced so shoddily that more than once I had to throw my hands up in utter bemusement. Surely blame is to be placed with the publishers, and not with Dr. Chaplin.
Overall, I recommend this book highly to those interested in a reasonably thorough go of the subjects of Ben Franklin and Enlightenment-era sciences. The treatment is casual and interesting, while remaining informative and thorough.
April 25, 2014
Benjamin Franklin has always been a fascinating figure to me. Of course, that was just the created folk-hero persona of the man flying his kite in the rainstorm, napping during the Continental Congress and waking to shout one-liners he created during his period as a printer of Poor Richard's Almanac. Seeing this book, I hoped to get more on the scientific side of Mr. Franklin, and that's exactly what I got.
This book goes through Franklin's entire history from the viewpoint of his scientific observations. He was a man of learning, though he never went to college (lack of funds). That didn't stop him from pursuing knowledge in all forms for his entire life, though. Benjamin Franklin was a visionary, an observer of natural phenomenon, a man in search of answers. He helped shape many of the major theories of the day, especially those relating to electricity and the study of the Gulf Stream.
What I found fascinating is how little he wanted to be involved in politics, even though that is primarily what he is remembered for now. He was forced by circumstance (and the power of the positions in society he worked his way into) to often set aside his experimental mind in order to help his fledgling nation make its way in the world. Imagine how much more he could have done if politics hadn't gotten in the way.
This book goes through Franklin's entire history from the viewpoint of his scientific observations. He was a man of learning, though he never went to college (lack of funds). That didn't stop him from pursuing knowledge in all forms for his entire life, though. Benjamin Franklin was a visionary, an observer of natural phenomenon, a man in search of answers. He helped shape many of the major theories of the day, especially those relating to electricity and the study of the Gulf Stream.
What I found fascinating is how little he wanted to be involved in politics, even though that is primarily what he is remembered for now. He was forced by circumstance (and the power of the positions in society he worked his way into) to often set aside his experimental mind in order to help his fledgling nation make its way in the world. Imagine how much more he could have done if politics hadn't gotten in the way.
September 14, 2010
I started this book and thought I would never finish -- so often did I fall asleep while reading it. However, by the end, I was really engaged. I think that may have had something to do with the genius of Ben Franklin... but it would have been easy to make him boring, and I think Chaplin did a good job of not letting that happen.
With all the Ben Franklin bios that have been written, this one is unique in its catalogue of scientific and philosophical achievements. According to Chaplin, without the Ben Franklin the scientific champion of the enlightenment, we never would have had Ben Franklin the founding father.
I was impressed with how much he contibuted... from lending libraries to bifocals... he was a consumate innovator. He was curious about everything from the circulation of the common cold to the air in the upper atmosphere. I think that curiousity may be one of the chief hallmarks of genius...
With all the Ben Franklin bios that have been written, this one is unique in its catalogue of scientific and philosophical achievements. According to Chaplin, without the Ben Franklin the scientific champion of the enlightenment, we never would have had Ben Franklin the founding father.
I was impressed with how much he contibuted... from lending libraries to bifocals... he was a consumate innovator. He was curious about everything from the circulation of the common cold to the air in the upper atmosphere. I think that curiousity may be one of the chief hallmarks of genius...
May 6, 2014
For whatever reason I find Franklin biographies to be difficult to get through, although he's one of my personal heroes. So, having gotten through this, I consider that a vote very much in its favor. It seemed to drag a bit in the end, but she came to a pretty powerful conclusion. She also did a god job making some interesting parallels between Franklin's time and our own. At the same time she debunked some of the parallels that seem popular but are non-useful. There were also a couple of thought-provoking "what ifs?".
Very much recommended for seeing Franklin the way he wanted to be seen - natural philosopher.
Very much recommended for seeing Franklin the way he wanted to be seen - natural philosopher.
June 11, 2008
Having an scientific background and enjoying history; I couldn't help but really like this biography of Benjamin Franklin which focuses primarily on his scientific achievements. It also shows how well he balanced his scientific work with his political activities, something few since have been able to do.
July 3, 2012
Not that happy with this one, more on the politics and diplomacy than the science. Doesn't really seem to grasp that the diplomacy was because of his standing at the peak of human knowledge.
Alludes to there being no technical training in the US other than the USMA, which would be a surprise to Rensselaer and the Roblings, not to mention other engineers and scientists to include Oppenheimer.
Alludes to there being no technical training in the US other than the USMA, which would be a surprise to Rensselaer and the Roblings, not to mention other engineers and scientists to include Oppenheimer.
July 24, 2012
The author does a nice job portraying Franklin as a curious, adventurous founder. The focus is on his scientific accomplishment, set in the historic context of the revolutionary war, the founding of the United States, and Franklin's foreign service. An enjoyable read, though not a compelling page turner.
February 12, 2011
Benjamin Franklin was awesome. This one will take a while to get through, but should be read by all Americans.
September 26, 2014
Quite interesting, a lot there that I didn't know about
Want to read
January 26, 2016not owned by HCLIB
Read
May 21, 2016An interesting read.
I enjoyed reading this after first reading Book of ages : the life and opinions of Jane Franklin (sister of Benjamin Franklin) / Jill Lepore.—
I enjoyed reading this after first reading Book of ages : the life and opinions of Jane Franklin (sister of Benjamin Franklin) / Jill Lepore.—
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews