By Maureen Dempsey

"Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." What famous historian spoke these words? How many people know that this common maxim, used every day, came from Benjamin Franklin?

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts. Because he came from a poor family, Franklin started working at an early age. At 12 he became his brother's apprentice in a printing shop. This experience proved invaluable, for when he was only 20, Benjamin established his own newspaper, The Pennsylvania Gazette. Five years later he published "Poor Richard's Almanac," which enjoyed wide sale. This was partly because of its frank criticism of British government and proprietors.

Not only was Benjamin Franklin a good politician, but he was also a great scientist and inventor. His experiments with electricity made him famous. Among his best-known inventions were the lightning rod, the bifocal lens, and the Franklin

stove. Franklin sought no money for these, but he received great honor and recognition both here and abroad. He made his discoveries serve humanity by putting them to practical use.

In addition to all these careers, Benjamin Franklin was also a great diplomat. During the American Revolution, Congress sent Franklin to France to win the French to our cause. Perhaps no other foreign diplomat in all history enjoyed such popularity as Franklin did in France. His pictures appeared in books and pamphlets, on rings, watches, brooches, and snuffboxes. Women even did their hair in a "coiffure a la Franklin," designed to imitate his beaver hat. The French officials whom he pressed for more troops, money, and supplies for America were won over to his cause by his ability, courage, cheerfulness, and tact.

Many people do not understand why Benjamin Franklin devoted almost his entire life to working for his country. The reason lies in one of his quotations: "Our cause is the cause of all mankind."