Benjamin Franklin was an influential inventor and statesman who invented bifocals and the lightning rod, discovered an important principle of cooling, and helped invent a decision making tool still used today. He invented bifocals to help people see at different distances and the lightning rod to protect buildings from lightning strikes, though he did not patent the latter. Franklin also noted a key concept in cooling that improved understanding in that area.

1. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
PERSON OF THE CENTURY

2. BIFOCALS
BEN FRANKLIN WAS THE INVENTOR OF THE BIFOCALS THAT MANY
PEOPLE USE TO THIS DAY.

3. LIGHTNING ROD
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ALSO DISCOVERED AND INVENTED THE
LIGHTNING ROD, ALTHOUGH HE DID NOT PATENT IT.

4. CONCEPT OF COOLING
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN NOTED A KEY PRINCIPAL IN COOLING.

5. PRO/CON LIST
BEN FRANKLIN HELPED INVENT THE DECISION MAKING TOOL MANY
PEOPLE STILL USE TODAY.