A complete original December 1752 issue of the the Gentleman’s Magazine in very good condition with a letter from Benjamin Franklin (signed B.F.) dated October 19, 1752, describing his legendary experiment in which he captured electricity from lightening using a kite, string and a key in a glass jar:

"As frequent mention is made in the newspapers from Europe, of the success of the Philadelphia experiment for drawing the electric fire from clouds by means of pointed rods of iron erected on high buildings, etc. it may be agreeable to inform the curious that the same experiment has succeeded in Philadelphia, tho' made in a different and more easy manner, which is as follows...To the end of the twine, next the hand, is to be ty'd a silk ribbon, and where the silk and twine join, a key may be fastened... As soon as any of the thunder clouds come over the kite, the pointed wire will draw the electric fire from them, and the kite, with all the twine, will be electrified..."

Other articles of note in this issue include: The History of Vesuvius and its eruptions; New Theory of Aurora Borealis; Dr. Halley's observation of an eclipse

All three called-for engraved plates are present:

1) hand colored ornithology plate of the Crested Fly-Catcher,

2) Representation of a Horizontal Windmill; a Roman Amulet; a Pulmonary Machine; a new sensible Plant and an Improvement in the Orrery; with other Figures, engraved on Copper

The magazine is in very good condition discount without the original wraps. The 3 original thread holes are visible indicating it is not a reprint. The magazine will be shipped in a transparent archival top-loading folder.