Jump back In Time

600 Million Years: Melbourne Museum The exhibition brings the story of Victoria’s evolution to life through animation, animatronics, models, fossils and multimedia interactives. Over millions of years Victoria has moved from the tropics to the Antarctic circle and now to the temperate zone. It has been shaped by periods of volcanic activity and major climate shifts. This website provides more information about some of featured exhibits in 600 Million Years: Victoria evolves. 600 Million Years: Victoria evolves is now showing in the Science and Life Gallery at Melbourne Museum. The World of Benjamin Franklin Quicktime MovieGlimpses of The Man (1297k) "If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing." ~ B. Franklin America has never forgotten Benjamin Franklin because he did both. He lived these words of wisdom by writing as much as he possibly could and by doing even more. He became famous for being a scientist, an inventor, a statesman, a printer, a philosopher, a musician, and an economist. This quick glimpse at the long life (1706 - 1790) of a complex man is meant to help you learn about Ben Franklin and also to let you see how Ben's ideas are still alive in our world today. To learn all that you can about the Franklin family, try taking a look at the family tree. Be sure to notice the electricity safety tips that are provided by PECO, Sponsor of "Benjamin Franklin: Glimpses of the Man." Learn more about Ben! Visit Pieces of Science for more information about Ben's Lightning Rod and Glass Armonica.

Common Sense by Thomas Paine Published in 1776, Common Sense challenged the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy. The plain language that Paine used spoke to the common people of America and was the first work to openly ask for independence from Great Britain. Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs IN the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense: and have no other preliminaries to settle with the reader, than that he will divest himself of prejudice and prepossession, and suffer his reason and his feelings to determine for themselves that he will put on, or rather that he will not put off, the true character of a man, and generously enlarge his views beyond the present day. Volumes have been written on the subject of the struggle between England and America. It hath been reported of the late Mr. The Sun never shined on a cause of greater worth. By referring the matter from argument to arms, a new era for politics is struck — a new method of thinking hath arisen. I have heard it asserted by some, that as America has flourished under her former connection with Great Britain, the same connection is necessary towards her future happiness, and will always have the same effect. Alas!

The Rattlesnake as the Perfect Symbol of America - Benjamin Franklin's Letter The following letter was published in the Pennsylvania Journal on December 27, 1775. It was signed by "An American Guesser," recently identified as Benjamin Franklin. Written after the Revolution began but before the Declaration of Independence was signed, it offers a unique glimpse into Franklin's observant mind. The Rattlesnake as a Symbol of America I observed on one of the drums belonging to the marines now raising, there was painted a Rattle-Snake, with this modest motto under it, "Don't tread on me." But then "the worldly properties" of a Snake I judged would be hard to point out. I recollected that her eye excelled in brightness, that of any other animal, and that she has no eye-lids. Was I wrong, Sir, in thinking this a strong picture of the temper and conduct of America? The Rattle-Snake is solitary, and associates with her kind only when it is necessary for their preservation. An American Guesser To Franklin as Philosopher

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin - Chapter 1 Chapter One The Author's Reasons for undertaking the present Work---A Dissertation upon Vanity---Some Account of his Ancestors---He discovers that he is the youngest Son of the youngest Son for five Generations---Young Franklin is at first destined for the Church---His Father soon after takes him from School and emplys him as an Assistant in making Candles, Etc.---He is desirous of being a Sailor---Some Account of his youthful Frolicks--- Becomes greatly attached to Books---Is bound Apprentice to a Printer---Begins to study Composition---Adopts a vegetable Regimen---And is extremely fond of Disputation. TWYFORD, at the Bishop of St. Asaph's, 1771 Dear son: I have ever had pleasure in obtaining any little anecdotes of my ancestors. Imagining it may be equally agreeable to(1) you to know the circumstances of my life, many of which you are yet unacquainted with, and expecting the enjoyment of a week's uninterrupted leisure in my present country retirement, I sit down to write them for you.