Early American science Science and technology in the United States

franklin, 1 of first american scientists.

in decades of history, united states relatively isolated europe , rather poor. @ stage america s scientific infrastructure still quite primitive compared long-established societies, institutes, , universities in europe.

two of america s founding fathers scientists of repute. benjamin franklin conducted series of experiments deepened human understanding of electricity. among other things, proved had been suspected never before shown: lightning form of electricity. franklin invented such conveniences bifocal eyeglasses. franklin conceived mid-room furnace, franklin stove. however, franklin s design flawed, in furnace vented smoke base: because furnace lacked chimney draw fresh air through central chamber, fire go out. took david r. rittenhouse, hero of philadelphia, improve franklin s design adding l-shaped exhaust pipe drew air through furnace , vented smoke , along ceiling, intramural chimney , out of house.

thomas jefferson (1743-1826), among influential leaders in america; during american revolutionary war (1775–83), jefferson served in virginia legislature, continental congress, governor of virginia, later serving u.s. minister france, u.s. secretary of state, vice president under john adams (1735-1826), writer of declaration of independence , third u.s. president. during jefferson’s 2 terms in office (1801-1809), u.s. purchased louisiana territory , lewis , clark explored vast new acquisition. after leaving office, retired virginia plantation, monticello, , helped spearhead university of virginia. jefferson student of agriculture introduced various types of rice, olive trees, , grasses new world. stressed scientific aspect of lewis , clark expedition (1804–06), explored pacific northwest, , detailed, systematic information on region s plants , animals 1 of expedition s legacies.

henry ford, thomas edison, harvey firestone. ft. myers, florida, february 11, 1929.

like franklin , jefferson, american scientists of late 18th century involved in struggle win american independence , forge new nation. these scientists included astronomer david rittenhouse, medical scientist benjamin rush, , natural historian charles willson peale.

during american revolution, rittenhouse helped design defenses of philadelphia , built telescopes , navigation instruments united states military services. after war, rittenhouse designed road , canal systems state of pennsylvania. later returned studying stars , planets , gained worldwide reputation in field.

as united states surgeon general, benjamin rush saved countless lives of soldiers during american revolutionary war promoting hygiene , public health practices. introducing new medical treatments, made pennsylvania hospital in philadelphia example of medical enlightenment, , after military service, rush established first free clinic in united states.

charles willson peale best remembered artist, natural historian, inventor, educator, , politician. created first major museum in united states, peale museum in philadelphia, housed young nation s collection of north american natural history specimens. peale excavated bones of ancient mastodon near west point, new york; spent 3 months assembling skeleton, , displayed in museum. peale museum started american tradition of making knowledge of science interesting , available general public.