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Benjamin Franklin's Hypothesis for explaining… Thunder, Lightning & Rain 1752

Benjamin Franklin's Hypothesis for explaining… Thunder, Lightning & Rain 1752

Product SKU: P-6-109570

Price £90.00

A New Hypothesis for explaining the Phenomena of Thunder, Lightning, and Rain, being an extract from B. Franklin’s Experiments and Observations on Electricity. [An article outlining Benjamin Franklin's groundbreaking theory that lightning is a form of electricity] by Benjamin Franklin (May 1752). Four antique copperplate pages, on three sheets, 20.0 x 12.5cm, 7.75 x 4.75 inches
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CAPTION PRINTED BELOW PICTURE: A New Hypothesis for explaining the Phenomena of Thunder, Lightning, and Rain, being an extract from B. Franklin’s Experiments and Observations on Electricity. [An article outlining Benjamin Franklin's groundbreaking theory that lightning is a form of electricity]

An extract from Benjamin's Franklin’s Hypothesis on Thunder and Lightning, printed in the Gentleman’s Magazine, London, May 1752. This landmark article, titled “A New Hypothesis for explaining the Phenomena of Thunder, Lightning, and Rain”, presents Benjamin Franklin’s groundbreaking theory that lightning is a form of electricity. Published just weeks before his famous kite experiment in June 1752, the article lays out Franklin’s reasoning by drawing analogies between the observable characteristics of lightning and the behaviour of artificial electrical charge—such as sparks, crackling noise, attraction, and flashes of light. He suggests that thunderclouds carry electrical fire, and that pointed metal rods fixed atop buildings could safely discharge this fire into the ground. Franklin’s ideas marked a turning point in Enlightenment science, blending speculative theory with practical application. Though he had already proposed his invention of the lightning rod in an earlier 1750 letter (also published in The Gentleman’s Magazine), this 1752 article goes further in systematically presenting the electrical nature of storms. The hypothesis was spectacularly confirmed a month later when Franklin famously flew a kite during a thunderstorm, successfully drawing sparks from a key attached to its wet string—thereby proving lightning was indeed electrical. This article is a foundational document in the history of electricity, showcasing Franklin’s inventive mind and the Royal Society’s role in disseminating colonial American science to a European readership.

DATE PRINTED: May 1752    

IMAGE SIZE: Approx 20.0 x 12.5cm, 7.75 x 4.75 inches (Small)

TYPE: Four antique copperplate pages, on three sheets

CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. The image shown may have been taken from a different example of this print than that which is offered for sale. The print you will receive is in good condition but there may be minor variations in the condition from that shown in the image. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Virtually all antiquarian maps and prints are subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not obtrusive unless otherwise stated. We offer a no questions asked return policy.

AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic historic print, published at the date stated above. It is not a modern copy.

VERSO: The pages are printed on both sides

ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Benjamin Franklin

PROVENANCE: "Gentleman's Magazine and Historical Chronicle", by Sylvanus Urban, Gent. London: Printed by Edw. Cave, Jun. at St. John's Gate

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Benjamin Franklin's Hypothesis for explaining… Thunder, Lightning & Rain 1752
£90.00