| The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000. |
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| Franklin, Benjamin |
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| DATES: | 1706–1790 |
| American public official, writer, scientist, and printer. After the success of his Poor Richard's Almanac (1732–1757), he entered politics and played a major part in the American Revolution. Franklin negotiated French support for the colonists, signed the Treaty of Paris (1783), and helped draft the Constitution (1787–1789). His numerous scientific and practical innovations include the lightning rod, bifocal spectacles, and a stove.
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| The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. |
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