The glass harmonica: a story of creativity and innovation (No.2)

To see the previous posts in this series click here.

The way Benjamin Franklin thought, allied with some of his other qualities and the nature and extent of his knowledge, offers important insights into a creative mind that was capable of making practical and successful inventions and innovations. Six aspects are particularly significant.

Here is the second aspect:

Franklin was a methodical and detailed recorder of his activities and progress.

This letter, written by Benjamin Franklin and describing how he invented the glass harmonica, is an excellent example of the above. Indeed, as the author states, the committed and careful reader would unlikely need any additional information to make the instrument. 

Keeping this detailed record achieves two things:

1. Firstly, it adds clarity to the progress or otherwise of Franklin's work. Failures and successes (plus the reasons for them) can be easily identified and subsequently avoided or enhanced as appropriate.
2. Secondly, it provides excellent information to others who may be interested in recreating or building upon Franklin's work. This increases the likelihood of Franklin's innovations not only becoming widely known but also improved over time.

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