Does he omit to mention when he was wrong? Is he proud of his faults?
V. Why has the book had such a wonderful popularity?
Essays and Papers. — The remainder of Franklin's literary work consists of essays on various topics, The Busybody, a series after the style of Addison, being prominent papers on scientific topics, political essays. and letters. Some of his lighter work, like "The Whistle," and "Dialogue between Franklin and the Gout," have been very popular.
Franklin's Versatility. — Franklin is the best example of a self-made man that history affords. No American has ever achieved greatness in so many dircctions. He ornamented everything that he touched, whether science, literature, invention, or statescraft. In science he made the discovery that electricity is the cause of lightning, and he wrote papers on electricity and kindred subjects that won the admiration of Europe. He invented the stove, lightning rod, and water organ. He organized the first police force, and the first fire company. His name is signed to all the great documents of our early history. In addition to all this, he was one of the first statesmen of his age and perhaps the ablest representative our nation has over sent abroad.
