An Historical Account of the Origin and Formation of the American Philosophical Society Held at Philadelphia for Promoting Useful Knowledge

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American philosophical society, 1914 - 194 pages

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Page 11 - Our debates were to be under the direction of a president and to be conducted in the sincere spirit of inquiry after truth, without fondness for dispute or desire of victory; and to prevent warmth, all expressions of positiveness in opinions or direct contradiction were after some time made contraband and prohibited under small pecuniary penalties.
Page 97 - May new style), this being the date of the publication of his " Proposal for Promoting Useful Knowledge among the British Plantations in America." 3 That the American Society was begun under the name of the Junto, and bore this name from the year 1750, the earliest recorded date of its existence, until the 13th of December, 1766.
Page 178 - That one society be formed of virtuosi or ingenious men, residing in the several colonies, to be called The American Philosophical Society, who are to maintain a constant correspondence.
Page 132 - We loved and still love one another. We are grown gray together, and yet it is too early to part. Let us sit till the evening of life is spent. The last hours are always the most joyous. When we can stay no longer, it is time enough then to bid each other good-night, separate and go quietly to bed.
Page 10 - I drew up required that every member, in his turn, should produce one or more queries on any point of Morals, Politics, or Natural Philosophy, to be discussed by the company ; and once in three months produce and read an essay of his own writing, on any subject he pleased.
Page 134 - I long meditated a revival of our American Philosophical Society, and at length I thought I saw my way clear in doing it, but the old party leaven split us for a time. We are now united, and, with your presence, may make a figure ; but, till that happy event, I fear much will not be done. The Assembly have countenanced and encouraged us very generously and kindly; and we are much obliged for your care in procuring the telescope, which was used in the late observations of the transit of Venus...
Page 136 - This society, after having subsisted forty years, and having contributed to the formation of some very great men, besides Dr. Franklin himself, became at last the foundation of the American Philosophical Society, now assembled to pay the debt of gratitude to his memory. A book containing many of the questions discussed by the Junto was, on the formation of the American Philosophical Society, delivered into my hands, for the purpose of being digested, and in due time published among the transactions...
Page 57 - Do you think any person ought to be harmed in his body, name, or goods, for mere speculative opinions, or his external way of worship ? Jlnswer. No. 4. Do you love truth for truth's sake, and will you endeavour impartially to find and receive it yourself, and communicate it to others 1 Jlnswer.
Page 30 - Dr. Thomas Bond, as Physician. Mr. John Bartram, as Botanist. Mr. Thomas Godfrey, as Mathematician. Mr. Samuel Rhoads, as Mechanician. Mr. William Parsons, as Geographer. Dr. Phineas Bond, as General Nat. Philosopher.
Page 132 - I wish you would continue to meet the Junto, notwithstanding that some effects of our public political misunderstandings may sometimes appear there. It is now perhaps one of the oldest clubs, as I think it was formerly one of the best, in the King's dominions.

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