Letter To Mons Dubourg Answer To Some Inquiries Respecting The Art Of Swimming From Memoirs Of The Life And Writings Of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin writes about various aspects of swimming. Among these are his having fashioned and used a kind of swim fin as a youth; various health benefits of swimming; the dangers of swimming in cold water when one is overheated; and having done a kind of kite surfing as a boy, wherein he had a kite pull him across a mile-wide pond. In all, Franklin writes, "the exercise of swimming is one of the most healthy and agreeable in the world."

Benjamin Franklin writes from London to Monsieur Dubourg in reply to the latter's remarks about a new method of treating smallpox. Franklin does not like the cold water bath which was then in vogue. He describes instead his own practice of sitting naked in his room every morning for 30-60 minutes after awakening in order to "bathe" in the cold air. Of this air bath, Franklin writes that "at least it does not injure my health, if it does not in fact contribute much to its preservation."

Benjamin Franklin explains the arrangement of the glasses in the "armonica," and explains how to play the instrument. He concludes that "nothing but experience can instruct with respect to this manipulation ... a few hours' exercise will teach this."

Benjamin Franklin tender the opinion that "sea-coal has a vegetable origin, and that it has been formed near the surface of the earth." He describes a visit to a coal mine at Whitehaven near Cumberland, England, into which he descended until he was some 800 fathoms beneath the surface of the ocean.

Benjamin Franklin, writing at sea, describes many of his thoughts late in life on a variety of subjects related to the improvement of navigation. He writes about possible improvements in the design of sails; some experiments that could be tried to bear out his ideas; leaks in sailing ships; icebergs and other hazards to navigation; sea anchors; and the Gulf Stream's influence on navigating the Atlantic Ocean. Franklin begins the letter as a short response to a letter received, but then writes "the garrulity of the old man has got hold of me, and as I may never have another occasion of writing on this subject, I think I may as well now, once for all, empty my nautical budget, and give you all the thoughts that have in my various long voyages occurred to me relating to navigation."

Benjamin Franklin relates several anecdotes about people having fallen ill after being exposed to long-dead bodies, including an Egyptian mummy. He speculates on the possibility of disease contagion surviving through enbalming and burial.

Benjamin Franklin writes about "the magnetism which seems produced by electricity" stating that his "real opinion is, that these two powers of nature have no affinity whatever with each other, and that the apparent production of magnetism is purely accidental." Franklin lists and describes ten arguments supporting his suppositions about the true nature of "magnetic fluid."

Benjamin Franklin responds to an inquiry about the possibility of using electricity to tenderize meat with his speculations about the possibilities. He cautions that animals killed by lightning are known to putrefy more quickly than otherwise, but outlines a method for killing poultry by electric shock in order to make the flesh more tender. He concludes with the further caution that since the amount of electricity he suggests is "capable of giving a very violent shock, the operator must be very circumspect, lest he should happen to make the experiment on his own flesh, instead of that of the fowl."

Benjamin Franklin writes to Dr. Percival and explains his belief that moist air itself is not unhealthy. He writes that it seems strange that anyone would think that it was. Describing the practice of Londoners "taking the air" in closed carriage rides, Franklin makes the point that "the gentry of England are remarkably afraid of moisture, and of air" while farmers and seamen who are regularly exposed to both are quite healthy.