The Complete Works in Philosophy, Politics and Morals of the late Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 2 [of 3]

In Short

This volume serves as a sprawling repository of Enlightenment-era inquiry, bridging the divide between natural philosophy and social commentary. It documents the author’s meticulous observations on phenomena such as water-spouts, electricity, and heat, while simultaneously offering astute reflections on population growth, the ethics of trade, and the nature of public discourse. By presenting these inquiries as an ongoing dialogue with contemporaries, the work illustrates the collaborative, often trial-and-error process of eighteenth-century science. It has endured not merely as a historical archive of early physics, but as a testament to a foundational belief that careful observation and open-minded communication are the essential tools for understanding the world and improving the human condition.

The Story

The collection begins with a rigorous examination of the physical world. The author is obsessed with the "why" and "how" of atmospheric phenomena, dedicating significant space to the study of water-spouts, whirlwinds, and the mysterious nature of the aurora borealis. He approaches these subjects with a charming blend of humility and ingenuity, often relying on anecdotes from sailors or farmers to test his own theoretical conjectures. He does not claim absolute truth; rather, he builds hypotheses—supposing, for instance, that air moving toward a center must necessarily ascend—and invites the reader into his process of refinement.

As the focus shifts from the sky to the hearth, the narrative becomes intensely practical. The author moves from broad meteorological theories to the design of more efficient fire-places, proving that he values the warmth of a room as highly as the movement of the tides. His writing remains consistently conversational, framed as letters to friends or colleagues. He gently corrects misconceptions, such as the common but erroneous belief that the mere agitation of fluids produces heat. He insists on verifying facts before assigning causes, a lesson he underscores with a lighthearted, self-deprecating story about a group of gentlemen arguing over a shoe that might not be a shoe at all.

The latter portion of the volume transitions into the realm of politics and morality, though the analytical tone remains unchanged. The author dissects the "prolific nature" of humanity, predicting the rapid growth of the American population and arguing that the prosperity of the colonies is essential to the strength of the British Empire. He is equally sharp when discussing trade, advocating for the freedom of commerce and mocking the "follies" of restrictive laws that attempt to "hedge in the cuckoo."

The collection concludes with a scathing, satirical assessment of the "Court of the Press," where he characterizes the unregulated power of the printed word as a volatile tribunal that condemns reputations without a hearing. He maintains his characteristic balance to the end, contrasting his own proposed alphabet—an unsuccessful attempt to reform English spelling—with a sober acknowledgment that people will ultimately choose the path of least resistance. The book does not culminate in a grand climax, but rather in a series of thoughtful, interconnected observations that leave the reader with the impression of having spent time in the company of a profoundly active and generous intellect.

How It Unfolds

The mechanics of the atmosphere The author investigates the origins of water-spouts and whirlwinds, drawing on reports from Nantucket whalemen to confirm that winds blow from all directions toward a central point of activity. He posits that these phenomena are essentially the same, whether they occur at sea or pass over land.

Theoretical physics and heat The discussion shifts toward the nature of light, heat, and fire, which the author describes as a subtle fluid. He experiments with cooling through evaporation and the behavior of oil on water, documenting his findings in letters that seek to reconcile ancient knowledge with modern observation.

Domestic innovation Turning his attention to the home, the author details his designs for fire-places that maximize warmth while preventing the drafty, cold air common in older designs. He provides specific instructions for building, demonstrating his commitment to applying scientific principles to the daily comfort of his neighbors.

Population and economic theory The scope broadens to the growth of nations and the regulation of trade, where the author argues against government interference in commerce. He asserts that a growing population in the colonies is a source of strength, not a threat, provided there is enough room for natural expansion.

Social critique and linguistics The final sections address the ethics of the slave trade and the power of the press, warning against the lack of accountability in public accusations. The volume ends with a curious, failed attempt to simplify the English alphabet, conceding that habit is a powerful barrier to reform.

The People

The volume is defined primarily by the voice of Benjamin Franklin, who acts as the reader's guide through a wide array of subjects. He is a man of insatiable curiosity, perpetually testing his own assumptions against the reports of others. He is consistently humble, often deferring to the "sagacious genius" of his correspondents while maintaining the liberty to dissent when his own observations lead him elsewhere.

His correspondents are an eclectic mix of peers and inquisitive minds. He engages with figures like David Rittenhouse on the nature of light, and a dedicated physician in Philadelphia who provides data on smallpox. These figures do not serve as traditional characters with arcs of change; rather, they are the vital sounding boards for his ideas. They challenge his theories, supply the empirical data he lacks, and allow him to demonstrate the social nature of his intellectual life.

Finally, there is the "gentleman of New York" and other anonymous interlocutors who argue against his meteorological hypotheses. Through these exchanges, we see Franklin at his best: not as an authoritative sage, but as a participant in a grand, ongoing conversation. He respects the "vulgar" knowledge of sailors and cooks as much as the theories of the learned, and he treats every disagreement as a potential opportunity to reach a more accurate truth.

In Its Own Voice

"This prudence of not attempting to give reasons before one is sure of facts, I learnt from one of your sex, who, as Selden tells us, being in company with some gentlemen that were viewing, and considering something which they called a Chinese shoe... put in her word, and said modestly, Gentlemen, are you sure it is a shoe?--Should not that be settled first?"

The author emphasizes the importance of verifying the foundational facts of any argument before attempting to explain the underlying causes.

"I think with your friend, that it has been of late too much the mode to slight the learning of the ancients. The learned, too, are apt to slight too much the knowledge of the vulgar."

Reflecting on the practice of stilling waves with oil, the author critiques the modern tendency to dismiss both classical wisdom and practical, everyday experience.

"Most of the statutes or acts, edicts, arrets, and placarts of parliaments, princes, and states, for regulating, directing, or restraining of trade, have, we think, been either political blunders, or jobs obtained by artful men, for private advantage, under pretence of public good."

In a candid moment of political commentary, the author expresses his skepticism toward government intervention in economic affairs.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an exploration of the power of the human mind to organize chaos into order. Whether he is mapping the path of a storm, designing a better stove, or debating the population density of North America, the author is driven by the belief that the universe operates according to discoverable, rational laws. The fundamental question beneath these diverse papers is how one should live in a world that is not yet fully understood. His answer is a model of persistent, skeptical optimism. He argues that we must trust our own observations, remain open to the insights of others—regardless of their station—and prioritize the practical improvement of society over rigid dogma. The book is an argument for a life spent in the pursuit of knowledge, not for the sake of abstract perfection, but to solve the specific, pressing problems of daily existence.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy the intellectual "tinkering" of the Enlightenment will find this volume deeply rewarding. It provides an intimate look at how knowledge was built in the eighteenth century, free from the polished, final-product tone of modern textbooks. To read these papers is to witness the messy, exciting, and collaborative process of discovery. You will feel the warmth of a fire-place designed to keep a room comfortable, and you will share the author’s frustration when he realizes his proposed phonetic alphabet is simply too impractical for the public to adopt.

However, the modern reader should be prepared for the book's structure. It is not a continuous narrative but a collection of disparate letters, papers, and notes, which can make for a fragmented reading experience. Furthermore, some of the writing reflects the period’s attitudes, particularly regarding the author's colonial-era assumptions about population and the economy. You will occasionally encounter archaic syntax and a reliance on terminology that has since evolved. Yet, there is something remarkably enduring about the author’s voice—it is clear, direct, and free of unnecessary ornamentation. His commitment to "not governing too much" and his insistence on confronting the truth of a situation before forming an opinion remain as relevant today as they were in the 1700s. If you are interested in the evolution of scientific thought or simply want to spend time with a mind that found wonder in everything from the smallest bubble to the widest tide, this volume will stay with you long after the final page.