“Dr. Franklin and George III”

Date

2-4-1812

Newspaper

Lexington, Kentucky Gazette

Page and Column

Page 2, Col, 2.

Newspaper Location

Lexington, Kentucky

Serial Number

1

Abstract

Long article from the Charleston City Gazette on the origin of earthquakes. Mentions Benjamin Franklin and the installation of lightening rods on the residence of George III of England in a humorous fashion.

Transcript

DR. FRANKLIN AND GEORGE III. [Earth-quakes and laughter quakes;-sense, spleen, and folly!] A writer in the Charleston City Gazette, who treats of earthquakes, gives an epitome of the doctrine of the learned Mr. Bertholon. This philosopher maintains, that they are- electrical phenomena,-subterraneous thunder,"-occasioned by "a rupture of the equilibrium between the electric matter which reigns in the atmosphere and that which is proper to the mass of the earth; from which result resembling, as well as thunder"-that if the superabundance of electrical fluid in the earth finds an easy ascent the equilibrium is quietly restored; but, if the obstacles are considerable, an earthquake is the consequence, "the force and extent of which are proportioned to the magnitude of the declaration of the equilibrium, to the depth it is from the surface, and to the obstacles it has vanquish"-Mr. Bertholon (continues the author) was so convinced of the truth of his theory, that he proposed the use of conductors to preserve countries from the dreadful ravages which earthquakes often produce. He recommended iron rods to be placed deep in the earth in the sides of volcanic mountains, and even in the vallies and plains which surround them: in his opinion they would act effectually for this purpose, by leading off silently the superabundant quantity of electrical fluid in the earth, as it is known that the rods of the illustrious Franklin have done to preserve [unreadable] from descending thunder by conducting the extra quantity contained in the clouds to the earth. It is not known that the experiment has ever been tried, but the theory is certainly not more visionary than Franklin's was considered, when he proposed it to the world; yet all civilized nations are now convinced of the great safety a lighting rod is to a building. "While on this subject, let me refresh your readers memories with an anecdote, which perhaps is worth perusing, for the witty epigram it occasioned. During the American war, a pretended philosopher in England undertook to maintain that Franklin's plan of presenting a point to the electric cloud, was wrong; and that instead of a point, the rod should end in a round ball, considerably larger than the body of the rod. George the 3d, who did not love Franklin, was so pleased to find that his conductors were improper, that he directed all the conductors on his palaces to be taken down, and others to be put up on the new plan. This was no sooner known to some men of real science in England, than they thought it their duty to wait on the king and to assure his majesty that he had been imposed on, and that the plan he had adopted would inevitably, if the places were struck, draw down such a large quantity of the electric fluid at one instant; as in all probability would prostrate the buildings to the earth. The king was prudent enough to take advise and they were charged, no doubt very unwillingly, to their first form. On this occasion the following jeu desprit appeared: Whilst, you great George, for knowledge hunt, And sharp conductors change for blunt, The nation's out of joint: Franklin another plan persues, And harmless all your thunder views, By sticking to his point.

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