Was Benjamin Franklin a Doctor?

By Douglas V. Gibbs

When an editor took a look at my book, 25 Myths of the United States Constitution, he questioned my reference to Dr. Franklin.  "Are you sure he was a doctor?" he asked.

"Absolutely," I replied.

The story of Benjamin Franklin is a curious one.  When it came to official education, Benjamin Franklin was not one that went far in school.  However, he was the type of person that wanted to learn as much as he could, so he was self-taught, reading everything he could get his hands on.  Franklin's pursuits earned him a number of awards, and the attention of learning institutions. On February 12th, 1759, the University of St Andrews "Conferr’d the Degree of Doctor of Laws" upon him.  Although Honorary, Franklin held dear with respect and appreciation the degree from that University. In 1762, Oxford University granted a like honor for his humble contributions to science.  Ben Franklin used the honorific "Doctor Franklin" from then on, and asked others to use it when addressing him.

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