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When Benjamin Franklin adopted John Bartram's 1739 idea of bringing together the "virtuosi" of the colonies to promote inquiries into "natural secrets, arts and syances," the result was, in 1743, the founding of the American Philosophical Society (APS). In this “first systematic attempt to collect & preserve data on the lives of [the Society's first] members,” Bell records the early years of the Society through sketches of its first members, those elected between 1743 and 1769. Together, this set adds much to our knowledge of the history and culture of 18th century American history. The second of three volumes, it includes biographies and 31 portraits of APS members inducted from 8 April to 20 December 1768 and history of the Medical Society from 1766-1768 with sketches of members.
Price: $80.00
Pages: 425
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc.
Imprint: The American Philosophical Society Press
Series: Memoirs of the American Philosophical Society
Publication Date:
01 January 1999
Trim Size: 10.00 X 7.00 in
ISBN: 9780871692276
Format: Hardcover
BISACs:
BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Historical, HISTORY / United States / Colonial Period (1600-1775)
"After reading the title of Bell’s compendium, I conjured the image of a useful, necessary, if perhaps dull compilation of people whose accomplishments would interest a limited number of researchers. To my surprise, the rich history of the Colonial, Delaware Valley society emerged. In this work, Whitfield Bell recounts the life accomplishments of the greats, such as Franklin, Rittenhouse, and John Dickinoson, but also the activities and inter-connections of Philadelphia’s near greats and long forgotten members of the group proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1743. The American character emerges in this second of a series of volumes celebrating the members and their belief in practical progress… This series is much more than a useful research tool, but offers a look at the macro by amassing the micro."
— Susan Clemens
"This second in a projected series of three volumes represents an impressive work in progress. … Every student of eighteenth-century American history and culture must be grateful to Whitfield Bell for the significant service he has once again rendered to the American Philosophical Society. The full measure of the debt owed him will be calculable only upon the publication of the third volume…"
— David W. Maxey
— Susan Clemens
"This second in a projected series of three volumes represents an impressive work in progress. … Every student of eighteenth-century American history and culture must be grateful to Whitfield Bell for the significant service he has once again rendered to the American Philosophical Society. The full measure of the debt owed him will be calculable only upon the publication of the third volume…"
— David W. Maxey
Whitfield J. Bell Jr. (1914—2009) was an American scholar, professor, historian and Associate Librarian, Librarian, and Executive Officer of the American Philosophical Society. An authority on early American science and medicine, he also served as associate editor of The Papers of Benjamin Franklin. His publications include John Morgan: Continental Doctor (1965) and the three-volume compilation, Patriot-Improvers: Members of the American Philosophical Society (1997, 1999, 2010).