Not the least remarkable point in Franklin’s career is the fact that, notwithstanding the scientific eminence he attained, he was able to devote but seven, or eight years in all to his scientific researches before his talents were required in the more active sphere of politics. Yet in that time he not only made his famous electrical discoveries, but instituted those researches into the course of storms across the American continent which mark an epoch in the science of meteorology, and have greatly aided in the development of land and ocean telegraphy. His name is also connected with our knowledge of the course of the most important characteristics of the Gulf Stream. He likewise gave much time to the inquiry as to the diverse powers of different colours to absorb solar heat, and arrived at many important results.

Not the least of his many services to mankind was the practical wisdom which, during the time that he was a printer and the publisher of a newspaper, he was forever throwing broadcast amongst the poor colonists, pointing out the way to wealth and independence, and thus doing much towards making them what they soon became, a patient, persevering, and self-reliant people. His essays in the Pennsylvania Gazette are mines of wealth in this respect. The following, taken from an article entitled “Necessary hints to those who would be rich,” will serve as a specimen of his prudential counsels:

“The use of money is all the advantage there is in having money.

“For six pounds a year you may have the use of one hundred pounds, provided you are a man of known prudence and honesty.

“He that spends a groat a day idly, spends idly about six pounds a year, which is the price for the use of one hundred pounds.