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Many people know that Franklin showed that lightning is an electrical discharge, but few realize that he attempted to cure paralysis with electricity. In the realm of medicine, Franklin was also interested in typhus, malaria, yellow fever, smallpox, lead poisoning, gout and kidney stones. In the earth sciences, he charted the Gulf Stream, proposed mechanisms to explain earthquakes, and enhanced our knowledge of weather patterns. Franklin spent time-in America, Britain and France-in the laboratories of the most important chemists of his day. He wrote about microscopy, physiology, astronomy, ecology, steamboats, military aeronautics and even space travel. Franklin's writings influenced many subsequent thinkers, including Malthus, Darwin and Marx.
Stuart A. Green, MD is Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. His article, "Repeal of The Stamp Act: The Merchants and Manufacturers Testimonies" appeared in the The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography. In 2003, he published "The Origins of Modern Clinical Research," an article that traces the beginnings of placebo-controlled clinical trials back to Franklin's 1784 investigation of mesmerism for the King of France. Dr. Green also serves on the Advisory Board of the College's upcoming exhibit, "The Medical World of Benjamin Franklin," scheduled to open on April 8, 2006.
This illustrated lecture, featuring items from Dr. Green's personal collection of Frankliniana, is free and open to all. For further information, or to make reservations, contact Sofie Sereda, Administrative Assistant, Wood Institute: ssereda@collphyphil.org, or 215-563-3737, ext. 232
Monday, January 23, 2006, 6:15 PM
The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
19 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia
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