11 



mechanic arts. In its formation the active members 

 of the Philosophical Society participated, two or three 

 were counted among the founders of that institution, 

 and many among its original members. 



I have always considered it fortunate that I had such 

 an introduction to the members of this Society. In 

 the year 1842 I was honored with election to its mem- 

 bership, and for forty-seven years I have attended its 

 meetings with reasonable regularity, listening to the 

 papers and essays that have been read here, and the 

 discussions which have come up from time to time upon 

 them, forming the most pleasant and friendly associa- 

 tion with the old members, and participating with them 

 in the traditionary usages of the Society. After the 

 serious business of the hour was over, the members 

 gathered in a quiet circle around that ancient fireplace, 

 and there, from grave to gay, from lively to severe, 

 the conversation went on, science and humor and glee 

 moving around the circle, cheering every heart ; and 

 when the old clock struck ten, the members, bidding 

 each other a hearty good-night, separated with the 

 hope that the next Friday evening would bring them 

 together again for participation in renewed joy. 



If I have had any useful career in life I owe much 

 of it to what I have learned in the Franklin Institute 

 and in the American Philosophical Society. And I 

 avail myself of. this occasion to say to my fellow- 

 members that if I have a great object at heart at the 

 present time it is that the American Philosophical So- 

 ciety shall rouse itself up with energy to the work that 

 is demanded of it at the present time, and use the 

 means and the influence that it has and the power that 

 it ought to exercise in the community for promoting 



