Franklin's First Experiments with Electricity; in The Gentleman’s Magazine and Historical Chronicle
London: Gentleman’s Magazine and Historical Chronicle, 1750. First Edition. Half Calf. 1st edition (vol. XX). Contains the first 2 appearances in print anywhere, announcing Franklin’s discoveries and experiments with electricity. The January 1750 issue (p. 34) prints a letter from Franklin identifying electricity as “the electrical fire” and saying, “…it is a real Element, intimately united with all other matter, from whence it is collected by tube, or sphere.” The May 1750 issue (p. 208) prints a second letter from Franklin announcing his invention of the lightening rod. Contemporary 3/4 calf and marbled boards, worn and strengthened but not rebacked, a few pages bound out of order (including those with the first entry), but collates complete, else a good, solid, heavyweight book. Good. Item #321
Price: $1,000.00