American Philosophical Society
History
The American Philosophical Society (APS) was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin for the purpose of "promoting useful knowledge." It was based in Philadelphia, a city that was at the time the center of culture and science in the American colonies. The APS was the first learned society in the United States and has played a significant role in American cultural and intellectual life.
The society's early members included many of the leading figures of the American Enlightenment, such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and John Adams. They were drawn together by a shared interest in natural philosophy and the practical arts. The APS's early publications, the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, were among the first scholarly journals published in the United States.
Mission and Activities
The mission of the APS is to promote knowledge in the sciences and humanities through research, professional meetings, publications, library resources, and community outreach. The society's activities are guided by its commitment to scholarly and scientific research, and its belief in the value of intellectual exchange.
The APS conducts a variety of activities to fulfill its mission. These include sponsoring research, awarding grants and fellowships, and organizing conferences and symposia. The society also publishes several academic journals, including the Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society and the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society.
Membership
Membership in the APS is considered one of the highest honors in American intellectual life. The society has approximately 1,000 elected members, who are known as "members." These include scholars from a wide range of disciplines, including the physical and biological sciences, the social sciences, the humanities, and the arts.
Members are elected to the APS on the basis of their scholarly accomplishments. The society's bylaws state that "the election of members shall be based on their distinctive achievements in original research." Election to the APS is thus a recognition of a scholar's contributions to their field of study.
Library and Museum
The APS maintains a library and a museum, both of which are located in Philadelphia. The library houses a significant collection of manuscripts, maps, prints, and other materials related to the history of science, technology, and medicine. The museum, meanwhile, displays artifacts and exhibits related to the history of the APS and its members.
The library's collections are particularly strong in the areas of early American history, Native American languages and culture, and the history of science. The museum's collections include artifacts related to the history of the APS, as well as items associated with notable members of the society.
Influence and Legacy
The APS has had a significant influence on American intellectual life. Its members have included many of the most important figures in American science and culture, and its publications have been a major venue for scholarly communication.
The society's influence can also be seen in its impact on policy and public life. APS members have been involved in the founding of other important institutions, including the U.S. Mint, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Academy of Sciences.