The persistency with which people have tried to magnify Franklin is curiously shown in the peculiar way in which James Logan’s translation of Cicero’s essay on old age was attributed to him. This translation with notes and a preface was made by Logan and printed in 1744 by Franklin in his Philadelphia printing-office, and at the foot of the title-page Franklin’s name appeared as the printer. In 1778 the book was reprinted in London, with Franklin’s name on the title-page as the translator. In 1809 one of his editors, William Duane, actually had this translation printed in his edition of Franklin’s works. The editor was afterwards accused of having done this with full knowledge that the translation had not been made by Franklin; but, under the code of literary morals which has so long prevailed, I suppose he would be held excusable. One of Franklin’s claims to renown is that he was a self-made man, the first distinguished American who was created in that way; and it would seem, therefore, all the more necessary that he should be allowed to remain as he made himself. I have endeavored to act upon this principle and so far as possible to let Franklin speak for himself. The analytical method of writing a man’s life is well suited to this purpose. There are already chronological biographies of Franklin in two volumes or more giving the events in order with very full details from his birth to his death. The present single volume is more in the way of an estimate of his position, worth, and work, and yet gives, I believe, every essential fact of his career with enough detail to enable the reader to appreciate it. At the same time the chapters have been arranged with such regard to chronological order as to show the development of character and achievement from youth to age. Contents CHAPTER PAGE I.--PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 17 II.--EDUCATION 41 III.--RELIGION AND MORALS 78 IV.--BUSINESS AND LITERATURE 132 V.--SCIENCE 167 VI.--THE PENNSYLVANIA POLITICIAN 192 VII.--DIFFICULTIES AND FAILURE IN ENGLAND 231 VIII.--AT HOME AGAIN 265 IX.--THE EMBASSY TO FRANCE AND ITS SCANDALS 270 X.--PLEASURES AND DIPLOMACY IN FRANCE 314 XI.--THE CONSTITUTION-MAKER 349 APPENDIX FRANKLIN’S DAUGHTER, MRS. FOXCROFT 365 List of Illustrations with Notes PAGE THE DUPLESSIS PORTRAIT OF FRANKLIN _Frontispiece._