"So he discovered nothing except how to channel lighting to prevent damage to structure and fire." All you said is true, Doyle, but Franklin's practical application of the facts to develop the lightning rod was very significant. It also saved the fire department a lot of calls. People paid for fire protection in those days. If they didn't, and had a fire, too bad. BTW, wasn't it Leydon who came up with the battery in his "Leydon jar"? The Babylonian clay pot is still under question as to whether it was a battery or not. Stan