[Returning to the subject of Benjamin Franklin once again ...most historians believe that Benjamin Franklin did actually perform his famous electrical kite and key experiment in June of 1752 (at the age of 46). A secondary account was thoroughly documented in 1767 by English chemist Joseph Priestley, who received the explicit details directly from Franklin himself... 👉 Experiment Realities vs. Myths 👈 Popular culture heavily distorts how the experiment was actually conducted: 🗝️No Lightning Strike: The kite was never struck by a visible bolt of lightning. If it had been, the massive current traveling down the line would have instantly electrocuted Franklin. 🗝️Ambient Static Charge: The setup was designed to gather the ambient, static electrical charge swirling in the storm clouds. 🗝️The Material Setup: Franklin tied the iron key to a hemp string connected to the kite. The hemp string became wet from the rain, turning it into an excellent electrical conductor. 🗝️The Insulation: To protect himself, Franklin tied a separate dry silk ribbon to the iron key and held only that ribbon while standing safely inside the shelter of a barn or shed. Because dry silk is a poor conductor, it insulated him from the gathered charge. 🗝️The Spark: When Franklin noticed the loose hemp fibers standing on end due to static buildup, he brought his knuckle close to the iron key. The ambient electricity leaped from the metal key to his finger as a visible spark, proving that lightning and electricity are the same phenomenon.] >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>------------------------<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< [To the bold innovators, the fearless dreamers, and the brave souls who willingly step into the storm to uncover the truth. True discovery may require immense risk, and the courage to face the unknown must always begin within. May you always be bold enough to hold the iron key when the lightning finally strikes (but wear rubber boots!). - Team Tiglet: Kevin "Tigger" & Mira "Piglet" 🐯💍🐷] Lyrics: [Verse] Ink stays under my fingernails, Blacking the edges of paper trails. Philadelphia's storm is heavy tonight, The air is thick now and blocks out the light. I am standing deep in the mud, Watching the sky turn the color of blood. I hold the silk string between my teeth, Tasting the salt and the metal beneath. (it tastes like metal) [Pre-Chorus] The pressure is building and the energy builds near, A sudden sensation is piercing the fear. [Chorus] Will I feel that heavy weight, The sudden jolt that seals my fate. Moving fast along the twine, Down to the iron that rests in mine? It does not care if I survive, It only wants to spring alive. (only a way out) [Verse] The printing press is quiet in the shop, The metal type is cold and set to stop. I am tired of words upon a page, I want to tap the power bursting from its cage. Friction builds across the atmosphere, A sudden snap that I can finally hear. I reach my wet hand up to the sky, Ready to feel the current fly. [Pre-Chorus] The pressure is building and the energy builds near, A sudden sensation is piercing the fear. [Chorus] Will I feel that heavy weight, The sudden jolt that seals my fate. Moving fast along the twine, Down to the iron that rests in mine? It does not care if I survive, It only wants to spring alive. (only a way out) [Bridge] My wet fingertips trace the rim, Of spectacle glass that the raindrops skim. The sound is a needle inside of my head, A shocking sensation to wake the dead. Now everything is friction with a huge burst of heat, A blinding rush knocking me off my feet. (higher now) [Chorus] Will I feel that heavy weight, The sudden jolt that seals my fate. Moving fast along the twine, Down to the iron that rests in mine? It does not care if I survive, It only wants to spring alive. (only a way out) [Outro] I hold the key (don't let go) To yet another discovery If this invention is meant to be Then trial and error must begin with me