You may not know that Franklin was more than just an inventor; he was also an accomplished statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher.

Franklin's inventions included a flexible catheter.

He designed this device for his kidney-stone-stricken brother after observing his pain.

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The previous method, a rigid metal catheter, was not pleasant, so he devised a flexible one made of hinged tubes.

He had a silversmith make his prototype and mailed it to his brother.

Franklin also studied ocean currents and the causes of common colds.

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He also invented the Franklin stove and bifocal eyeglasses.

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These inventions help us see at a distance and for reading.

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Franklin also created the first fire department in America. It was later named the "Benjamin Franklin's Bucket Brigade."

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A lightning rod was another invention that Benjamin Franklin made. It is a device that takes an electrical charge and transmits it to the ground safely.

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This invention was inspired by an experiment that Franklin carried out in 1752. He flew a kite with a key on it and was amazed that the key would actually lead the electricity to the ground.

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Afterwards, Franklin wondered if a lightning rod could keep buildings safe from lightning strikes.

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