Shocking: Pictures of Ben Franklin's kite experiment make major error - study

When looking at paintings that illustrated Benjamin Franklin's scientific experiment, with the kite and key and electricity, a crucial error can be noted that can mislead viewers.

Hand-colored lithograph published by Currier & Ives in 1876. This is probably the most widely distributed illustration of the experiment. Franklin is wrongly shown to be holding the string in one hand above the point to which the key is attached.

(photo credit: Bequest of A. S. Colgate, 1962)

ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

MAY 24, 2023 16:02

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