ORIGIN AND FORMATION OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY HELD AT PHILADELPHIA · FOR PROMOTING USEFUL KNOWLEDGE BY PETER STEPHEN DU PONCEAU WITH THE COMMUNICATION OF J. FRANCIS FISHER, Esq. AND THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO WHICH THESE PAPERS WERE REFERRED READ OCTOBER 15, 1841 AND THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE DATE OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE SOCIETY ACCEPTED MAY 1, 1914 PHILADELPHIA THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY 1914 Historical Account of the Origin of The American Philosophical Society, By Peter Stephen Du- Communication of J. Francis Fisher Report of the Committee to which was referred HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE ORIGIN OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY It is generally known that the American Philosophical Society, as at present constituted, was formed at the latter end of the year 1768, by the union of two associations which existed at that time, one of which was called "The American Society held at Philadelphia for promoting and propagating useful knowledge," and the other "The American Philosophical Society"; but its history does not begin at that period: in order to have a full view of it, we ought to trace to their origin the two Societies by the union of which it was formed, follow them in their progress to the time of their junction, and what is not less interesting, we should be informed of their different views, their different interests, and the means by which their union was effected. This is the more necessary, that although little more than seventy years have elapsed since that union took place, different opinions already prevail, as to the origin of one of the two Societies which, sacrificing their little jealousies to the honor of their country and the advantage of Science, agreed to unite their |