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class, which, though as yet not numerous, is increasing, which looks 

 upon the whole field of daily business with an eye to its improvement, 

 not only by better methods, but by an application of all accessible and 

 available knowledge. The man whose mind is thus awakened must 

 rapidly attain an enlargement of his faculties and comprehension, 

 which cannot fail to be visible, and to be marked with beneficial re- 

 sults, private and public. It is in this direction that we are to look 

 for the progress of the highest proofs and benefits of civilization, as it 

 pervades the masses of men who do the business of the world and 

 who perform its labour. In this important path of such vital interest 

 to human welfare, we find Mr. Davis conspicuous. It is this which 

 establishes a legitimate connection between him and the American 

 Philosophical Society, which is ever willino; to extend the hand of 

 fellowship to the philosophic mind, in whatever department of life it 

 may be found. 



Mr. Davis occupied a high position in this community as a mer- 

 chant and as a manufacturer, but not without a full appreciation of 

 the advantages and duties of such a position. While private interests 

 were earnestly and industriously promoted, questions of public con- 

 cern never failed to draw his attention in proportion to their import- 

 ance. He was ever ready to give the benefit of his strong common 

 sense, and his clear discrimination, to any measure which promised 

 public advantage. Although he constantly declined office, he re- 

 garded public afl^airs with an interest scarcely less than he gave to 

 his private business. It is well known to those who knew Mr. Davis 

 best, that few men not in public life exerted a wider influence in pub- 

 lic affairs. This involved an extensive and frequently elaborate cor- 

 respondence, from the labour of which he never shrunk when a 2;ood 

 end was in view. This influence was due chiefly to his clear views 

 of public questions, and that knowledge of men and their motives 

 which made him a safe and valuable adviser for men in responsible 

 stations. 



Mr. Dunlap was excused fjom preparing an obituary notice 

 of the late Dr. Nathaniel Chapman, and Dr. J. B. Biddle was 

 appointed to perform that duty. 



Mr. Dunlap and Dr. Biddle were appointed in the place of 

 the deceased members of the Committee to procure a portrait 

 of Dr. Chapman. 



Judge King called the attention of the Society to the present 

 condition of the negociation with the Government of the United 



