In 1722, Franklin wrote 14 letters under the pseudonym Mrs. Silence Dogood, a (supposedly) middle-aged widow. Franklin’s letter to the Royal Academy of Brussels shows his sense of humor. The Academy had solicited proposals for mathematical studies from distinguished scientists and philosophers worldwide. Franklin was among those contacted by the Academy. Instead of a serious proposal, Franklin suggested the academy fund an inquiry into methods of eliminating the smell emitted from one’s passing gas.
Franklin suggested it would benefit people forced to restrain their natural bodily functions at a dinner gathering so they would not emit a “fetid Smell. (sic)” If such a cure could be found, Franklin wrote, then dinner guests would be no more embarrassed about farting than sneezing or coughing. If only the Academy had pursued Franklin’s suggestion, it might rank as high as his successful kite experiment did to prove lightning contained electricity.
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There is a book called "Fart Proudly" - I have one and it is a collection of Franklin's humor...
ReplyDeleteFarts smell for the benefit of the deaf.
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