Benjamin Franklin ( April 17, 1790) was one of the
Founding Fathers of the United States. A renowned
polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer,
political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, 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. As an inventor, he is known for the
lightning rod,
bifocals, and the
Franklin stove, among other inventions. He facilitated many civic organizations, including Philadelphia's fire department and a university.