Patriot-Improvers: Biographical Sketches of Members of the American Philosophical Society, Volume Three, 1767-1768, Memoirs, American Philosophical So - Hardcover

by Jr. (Author)

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 third of three volumes, it includes history of the APS, sketches of APS members inducted from November 1767 to 1768, reflections and observations, and consolidated indexes for volumes one, two, and three.

Author Biography

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).