Was electricity "discovered", or "invented"? (IF you believe there's a difference between the two.) Professor, this is where we need you! ~

As something that already existed in nature, electricity was discovered and then harnessed by invention. 

I can't explain it any better than Don.

When I was a child, I 'discovered' static electricity after walking across Grandma's wool carpet. BAM!

One can only invent that which does not already exist.  The steam engine was invented, since there is no such thing as a steam engine tree.

Electricity was discovered.   Electricity can also be created (a different term).  Creating something doesn't necessarily mean inventing it.  Once can create fire, but since it already exists, they aren't inventing it.

Electricity was discovered and then exploited in every possible way.  

Yours truly,
Professor Thrifty

The difference between science and engineering is the difference between electricity and electrical machinery. Scientists discover, engineers invent. Some people can do both, but not at the same time.