1From Benjamin Franklin to Giambatista Beccaria, 13 July 1762 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Benjamin Franklin, Experiments and Observations on Electricity , 1769 edition, pp. 427–33. That glass or porcelain vessels, or even some earthenware bowls, would give off musical tones when gently struck had been known in various parts of the world for centuries before Franklin’s time, and men in both Asia and Europe had learned to entertain themselves and each...
2From Benjamin Franklin to Giambatista Beccaria, 21 September 1768 (Franklin Papers)
Translated from the Italian in Giuseppe A. F. G. Eandi, Memorie istoriche intorno gli studi del padre Giambatista Beccaria … (Turin, 1783), pp. 148–9. The bearer of this letter, my good friend Monsieur l’Epinasse, is a brilliant student of electricity and one of the best there are. He plans to visit Turin, and, since he has a great wish to make your acquaintance, I could not refuse to grant...
3From Benjamin Franklin to Giambatista Beccaria, 11 August 1773 (Franklin Papers)
Retranslated from the Italian in Giuseppe A. G. S. Eandi, Memorie istoriche intorno gli studi del padre Giambatista Beccaria … ([Turin,] 1783), pp. 149–50. I embrace this opportunity to greet you through Signor Fromond, your most ingenious fellow countryman, and to let you know that, because my ongoing commitment to various affairs precludes my doing further research in our favorite science, I...
4From Benjamin Franklin to Giambatista Beccaria, 20 March 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society; additions after the signature retranslated from the Italian in Giuseppe A. F. G. Eandi, Memorie istoriche intorno gli studi del padre Giambatista Beccaria … ([Turin,] 1783), p. 151. I have receiv’d several of your Favours lately relating to the Edition of your Book in English, which I have put into the Hands of the Translator, who will...
5From Benjamin Franklin to Giambatista Beccaria, 19 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress Having sometime since heard of your Illness with great Concern, it gave me infinite Pleasure to learn this Day, from M. Chantel, (who did me the honour of a Visit) that you were so far recover’d, as to be able to make little Excursions on Horseback. I pray God that your Convalescence may be quick and perfect, and your...
6From Benjamin Franklin to Beccaria, 19 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy: Library of Congress I received lately through the hands of your Ambassador, the several ingenious Pieces of your Writing, which you did me the honour to send me. At present I am so engag’d in publick Affairs, that I cannot give the Attention I wish to philosophical Subjects, which used to afford so much Pleasure. It grieves me to hear of the long Continuance of your Illness....