He proved that lightning was made up of electricity. He designed the medical device called a urinary catheter, to save his brother. He invented the Franklin Stove and the lightning rod. He got tired of changing his glasses, so he invented the first bifocal lenses. He designed the odometer to figure out how far his carriage had traveled. He loved music and invented the Armonica. And on and on. He was the first great American scientist and inventor. (And you can add to that diplomat, statesman, and Founding Father.)

He kinda paved the way for future inventors. Here’s one story you may like:

A church Bishop from an Eastern State visited a small religious college in a Western territory. He was quartered at a residence of the college president. The president was a learned man who doubled as a professor of physics and chemistry. These two men spent and evening together to allow them to exchange not only pleasantries, but also knowledge and learning.

After dinner together, the Bishop espoused that he considered the millennium couldn’t be too far distant, since nearly everything in nature had been discovered and all possible inventions had been made.

The college president didn’t agree. He theorized that the next 50 years would produce numerous more discoveries and inventions. The bishop was indignant, and challenged the president to name one possible new development or creation. He proposed that man would even fly like the birds before the next century.

“Balderdash!” bellowed the bishop. “Flight of course is reserved for the Angles.”

The bishop’s last name was Wright. He had two sons. Wilbur and Orville. And you know the rest of the story!

What are some of the things you think may yet be invented or discovered?