Mesmerized : how Ben Franklin solved a mystery that baffled all of France

I found this book a bit confusing, Ben Franklin was proving Mesmer force wrong by observing his forces on his patience and seeing the difference between each patient. This book was pretty long and detailed, and i would say that this book needs to be a higher grade like grade 3 and up. This book had

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some long words for students to pronounce. I did like how Ben Franklin observed Mesmer and his force to see if it was really working or not. Like i mentioned above i would recommend this book to teachers who are teaching at a higher level so that it does not bore the students.

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When Ben Franklin traveled to France to ask for French aid in the revolution, he heard of a man called Dr. Mesmer. Dr. Mesmer was able to wave a wand and cure people of their ailments, or so it was said. King Louis the 16th asked Ben Franklin to see if Dr. Mesmer was the real thing. So, Franklin

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used the scientific method to see if Dr. Mesmer could really work. It turns out that Mesmer's technique worked only because the patients believed it worked. Mesmer was laughed out of town, and Ben went on to help found the United States.
The book's value is the information and use of the scientific method. It is very clearly outlined step by step, showing how Ben Franklin used it to specifically disprove Dr. Mesmer's techniques. Excellent book for students about to start doing science of their own.

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Fun illustrations, but erratic text.

A little bit scientific method, a little bit international diplomacy in the early days of the US. A story about how Franklin essentially proves the placebo effect, told in a lively fashion that I believe Franklin would approve of.