They Sold Drugs

Benjamin Franklin

Before he opened his printer's shop in Philadelphia, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN -- what didn't that guy do? -- was engaged to be a clerk for a mercantile store. For a short time he sold a variety of items, including herbs and medicines. Later, of course, Ben became famous for his many inventions and statemanship, and for dispensing healthful advice through his Poor Richard's Almanac, including "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" and "An apple a day keeps the doctor away."