77 



AN ACT 



For Incorporating the American Philosopliical Society, held at Philadelphia, 

 for promoting Useful Knowledge. 



Whereas, The cultivation of useful knowledge and the 

 advancement of the liberal arts and sciences in any country 

 have the most direct tendency towards the improvement of 

 agriculture, the enlargement of trade, the ease and comfort of 

 life, the ornament of society, and the increase and happiness 

 of mankind. And, whereas, this country of North America, 

 which the goodness of Providence hath given us to inherit, 

 from the vastness of its extent, the variety of its climate, the 

 fertility of its soil, the yet unexplored treasures of its bowels, 

 the multitude of its rivers, lakes, bays, inlets, and other con- 

 veniences of navigation, offers to these United States one of the 

 richest subjects of cultivation ever presented to any people 

 upon earth. And, whereas, the experience of ages shows that 

 improvements of a public nature are best carried on by socie- 

 ties of liberal and ingenious men, uniting their labors, without 

 regard to nation, sect, or party, in one grand pursuit, alike 

 interesting to all, whereby mutual prejudices are worn off, a 

 humane and philosophical spirit is cherished, and youth 

 stimulated to a laudable diligence and emulation in the pur- 

 suit of wisdom. And, whereas, upon these principles, divers 

 public-spirited gentlemen in Pennsylvania, and other Amer- 

 ican States, did heretofore unite themselves, under certain 

 regulations, into one voluntary Society, by the name of " The 

 American Philosophical Society, held at Philadelphia, for pro- 

 moting Useful Knowledge," and by their successful labors and 

 investigations, to the great credit of America, have extended 

 their reputation so far that men of the first eminence in the 

 republic of letters in the most civilized nations in Europe 

 have done honor to their publications, and desired to be en- 

 rolled among their members. And, whereas, the Society, after 



