Benjamin Franklin is often credited with the discovery of electricity during the Renaissance, although his contributions primarily occurred in the 18th century. Famous for his kite experiment in 1752, Franklin demonstrated that lightning is a form of electricity, which significantly advanced the understanding of electrical phenomena. His work laid important groundwork for the fields of electrical science and experimentation. While he was not the sole discoverer—many previous scientists had studied electricity—Franklin's innovative approach and experiments contributed to important principles in physics and electrical theory. His legacy continues to influence the study and application of electricity today.