Franklin in his laboratory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. US scientist, inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He experimented in sciences such as chemistry and physics, studying phenomena such as evaporation. He invented the lightning rod to protect buildings from lightning strikes, as well as fins for swimming, bifocal glasses, and a urinary catheter. He helped shape the American Revolution and was a signatory of the US Declaration of Independence. Artwork from 'Electricite' (1911) by Max de Nansouty, part of the 'Les merveilles de la science' series of 1867-1891 by Louis Figuier.