1885.] \2iiy [Ruschenberger. 



Chemistry, and worked zealously in his laboratory till the close 

 of his under-graduate course. 



He duly submitted a thesis, entitled " Experiments on the 

 blood, together with some new facts in regard to animal and 

 vegetable structures, illustrative of many of the most important 

 phenomena of organic life," etc., and graduated from the Medical 

 Department of the University of Pennsylvania, March, 1836 

 This thesis, illustrated by many wood cuts, was published in the 

 American Journal of the Medical Sciences.* 



The practice of medicine was not to his taste. He devoted 

 himself to chemistry. From 1836 to 1842 he was the chemist of 

 the first Geological Survey of Pennsylvania, of which his brother 

 Henry was the chief. 



He became a member of the Academy of Natural Sciences, of 

 Philadelphia, February, 1837. During nearly a half century he 

 evinced interest in the pursuits of the Society. At irregular 

 intervals he was frequently present at its stated meetings of sev- 

 eral successive years, participated in discussions, delivered lec- 

 tures to promote its interest and contributed to its funds, f 



Dr. Rogers was elected a member of the Franklin Institute of 

 the State of Pennsylvania, April 18, 1838, and resigned May 18, 

 1845. He was again elected November 18, 1852, on returning to 

 Philadelphia after several years' absence ; became a "life mem- 

 ber" in 1855, and one of the Board of Managers in 1857. He 

 was one of the vice-presidents during seventeen years, from Jan- 

 uary, 1858. In January, 1875, he was elected President. He de- 

 clined reelection January, 1879,1 and was again returned to the 

 Board of Managers, and continued to be a member of it to the 

 close of his life. 



* Vol. xviii, 1836. 



t In the Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philadelphia, from 1859 to 1862, many of his ver- 

 bal communications are noted. 



JOn vacating the chair for his successor, at the stated meeting, January 15, 

 1879, he thanked the members of the Institute for their unvarying kindness 

 towards him during the four years of his presidency. And then, on motion of 

 Mr. J. E. Mitchell, the meeting unanimously adopted the following preamble 

 and resolution: 



"Whereas, our highly esteemed presiding officer, Dr. R. E. Rogers, having 

 declined a re-election to the office he has so acceptably filled for the past four 

 years, it is therefore, 



Resolved, That in parting with Dr. Rogers we desire to place on record our 

 high appreciation of the courteous and impartial manner with which he has 

 presided over our deliberations, as well as our appreciation of the valuable time 



