isMi. I ' > - 1 ^ [Fraley. 



Practically they for many things supersede the 

 Transactions, being - less formal in their character, and 

 issued in rapid succession, give the current contribu- 

 tions of our members for the advancement of science 

 and the progress of original research. 



Our commemoration would not be complete without 

 some reference to the Society as a corporate body. 

 It was incorporated by the General Assembly of Penn- 

 sylvania, March 1 5, 1 780. The preamble of the act 

 declares the objects for which it is created with con- 

 siderable detail and then come the enacting clauses 

 which gave its name and powers. 



It is remarkable how fully and clearly the powers 

 are expressed, and the only amendments or additions 

 that have been made to them since are those which 

 enable us to sell and rent our real estate. It contains 

 one remarkable clause which shows the clear and 

 catholic views that our founders held as to the neu- 

 trality of science, for it provides that all correspond- 

 ence or communications to or from the Society shall 

 have free transmissions, notwithstanding the preva- 

 lence of war. 



In 1785, the State granted a lot of ground to the 

 Society, as a site for the erection of a hall. This lot 

 forms a portion of Independence Square, and its dimen- 

 sions are 70 by 50 feet. The building was begun 

 in 1785, and it was occupied but not completely 

 finished in 1789. The old minutes to which I refer 

 any curious inquirer/' 1 contain many amusing as well 



* The plan for incorporating the Society was ordered at a meeting held (as 

 usual then) in the University, Dec. 17, 1779. Dr. Smith, Dr. Duffield and Mr. 

 Biddle being constituted a committee. 



Feb. 17, 17S0, inquiry began to be made for some lot of ground on which the 

 Society might erect a building for itself.. 



April, 11, donations were ordered to be solicited. 



