He founded the Philadelphia Library, parent of a thousand libraries, and which marked the beginning of an intellectual movement of endless good to the whole country.
He first turned to great account the engine of advertising, an indispensable element in modern business.
He published "Poor Richard," a record of homely wisdom in such shape that hundreds of thousands of readers were made better and stronger by it.
He created the post-office system of America, and was the first champion of a reformed spelling.
He invented the Franklin stove, which economized fuel, and suggested valuable improvements in ventilation and the building of chimneys.
He robbed thunder of its terrors and lightning of some of its power to destroy.
He founded the American Philosophical Society, the first organization in America of the friends of science.
He suggested the use of mineral manures, introduced the basket willow, promoted the early culture of silk, and pointed out the advisability of white clothing in hot weather.
He measured the temperature of the Gulf Stream, and discovered that northeast storms may begin in the southwest.