Monday, October 6, 2025

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: Part 6

 The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: Part 6

Bonus:    

I am a Water-American

Summary: Young Ben Franklin continues to be successful in business more than in friendship or ladies. Also, the first appearance of gout, but not on Franklin.

Commentary: Franklin repeatedly uses the words errata and erratum, as in: "This was another of the great errata of my life, which I should wish to correct if I were to live it over again."

I always thought of it as meaning "correction" but it actually means "error." Learning!

"I had brought over a few curiosities, among which the principal was a purse made of the asbestos, which purifies by fire."

Ben Franklin brings lung cancer to England.

On occasion, I carried up and down stairs a large form of types in each hand, when others carried but one in both hands. They wondered to see, from this and several instances, that the “Water-American,” as they called me, was stronger than themselves, who drank strong beer! 

You've heard, "I am a real American!" but what about a "Water-American"?


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