Hand-colored lithograph published by Currier & Ives in 1876. This is probably the most widely distributed illustration of the experiment. Franklin is wrongly shown to be holding the string in one hand above the point to which the key is attached. Had he done so, he would have earthed the kite, and the experiment would not have worked. Credit: Bequest of A. S. Colgate, 1962
Key points:
- Researchers have found inaccuracies in illustrations of Benjamin Franklin's famous kite experiment.
- Some show the experiment being performed in the open air although Franklin specified that the experimenter must be in a door or window.
- The study author points out that illustrations should not be used indiscriminately, or give details that can be confusing or inaccurate.
Illustrations of scientific experiments play a fundamental role in both science education and the dissemination of scientific knowledge to the general public. In some cases, these depictions convey false information, either because the experiments never actually happened or because they were performed quite differently.
In a new study, Breno Arsioli Moura, a researcher at the Federal University of the ABC in Brazil, investigated seven depictions of one of the most famous scientific experiments of all time—when Benjamin Franklin flew a kite to draw electricity from a thundercloud. Moura found that most of the illustrations were incorrect.
According to the study in Science & Education, many illustrations show Franklin with his son as a small boy, even though at the time he was actually 21. Additionally, many show the experiment being performed in the open air even though Franklin specified that the experimenter must be in a “door or window, or under some cover, so that the silk ribbon may not be wet,” which would make it conductive.
“In most cases, the kite is being struck by lightning, or lightning bolts are very near it, although Franklin did not want to draw a lightning strike down upon himself,” said Moura. “Most illustrations don’t show the silk ribbon that was meant to insulate the kite. Franklin simply holds the string. If that had been the case, he would have earthed the kite and ruined the experiment. One illustration shows Franklin holding the key near or on the string, which isn’t warranted by any account.”
Based on his study, Moura says the illustrations should not be used indiscriminately, especially in science classes. He said they embody messages that can be construed in a confusing or wrong manner—both historically and scientifically.