Plate tectonics (from the Late Latin tectonicus, from the Greek: ÏÎµÎºÏÎ¿Î½Î¹ÎºÏÏ pertaining to building) is a scientific theory describing the large-scale motion of 7 large plates and the movements of a larger number of smaller plates of the Earth's lithosphere, over the last hundreds of millions of years.
1600s | 1700s | 1800âs. Benjamin Franklin was one of most innovative Americans of all time. In deed, his work and experiments resulted in several important discoveries and inventions including electricity, bifocal glasses, a usable battery and many more. Ben Franklin believed electricity could be harnessed from lightning. In 1752, he devised an experiment to test his theory. Although details of the experiment remain sketchy to this day, Franklin originally wanted to test his theory atop a spire that was to be built on a Philadelphia church.
After his kite experiment, Benjamin Franklin became well aware of the dangers of electricity (And the shock he received probably helped as well!). He started pondering over ways to protect buildings, ships and people from lightning. This effort on his part culminated in the invention of the lightning rod. Lightning rod is arguably his most famous invention. The lightning rod was designed to be mounted to the outside wall of the house. One end of the rod would point high up into the sky; the other end would be attached to a cable.