In June 1752 Ben Franklin conducted what is called his “kite experiment” that proved lightning was electrical in nature. He famously did this by flying a kite in a thunderstorm with a metal key tied to the kite line. The idea sounds a bit dangerous and Ben, indeed, is usually shown cavorting in a field as lighting cracks all around him. In reality, the wily Franklin wasn’t quite so willing to sacrifice himself for science. And hemp cordage was part of both his personal protection and electrical sensing system.

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