Benjamin Franklin, genius of kites, flights and voting rights

"This biography explores examples of Benjamin Franklin's diverse genius and accomplishments in different fields." "Franklin's views on women's issues, such as disapproving of impractical hoopskirts, supporting their education, and suggesting insurance for widows and spinsters are explored. His love of a good hoax, contributions to ballooning while an ambassador in France, experiments with the famous kite, and advances in heating houses are described. His methods of printing money to confuse counterfeiters and a revolutionary way of making a print of a real leaf (and his updated portrait on the present $100 bill) are discussed, as is his role as head of a commission to examine (and debunk) mesmerism."--BOOK JACKET.