Β Benjamin FranklinΒ was a renownedΒ polymathΒ and one of theΒ Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin was a leading author, printer,Β political theorist, politician,Β freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in theΒ American EnlightenmentΒ and theΒ history of physicsΒ for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for theΒ lightning rod,Β bifocals, and theΒ Franklin stove, among other inventions.Β He founded many civic organizations, including Philadelphia's fire department and theΒ University of Pennsylvania.