ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. 49 



appointed Mr. Speakman treasurer, and adjourned to meet Feb- 

 ruary 1st, to report progress. The gentlemen named had several 

 meetings during the months of February and March, at the resi- 

 dence of Mr. Speakman : on these occasions the organization of 

 the Society was the only subject of conversation. 



The gentlemen were reluctant to be continuously indebted to 

 the hospitality of Mr. Speakman for a place of meeting; and 

 in the month of March held two or three sessions at a public 

 house in Market, or High Street, near the corner of Franklin 

 Place, known as " Mercer's Cake Shop," which is regarded as 

 the first public establishment at which ice-cream was sold in Phi- 

 ladelphia. Under an impression that all visitors to such houses 

 must in courtesy become customers, it was feared that the in- 

 fant society might degenerate into a club of bon-vivants, and 

 for this reason more private accommodation was sought. 



At the meeting of the 17th of March, a " Constitutional Act" 

 was discussed and agreed upon ; but the present title, Academy 

 of Natural Sciences, was employed, for the first time, in the mi- 

 nutes for March 21st. This name was adopted on a suggestion 

 of Dr. Samuel Jackson, at present the distinguished Professor of 

 the Institutes of Medicine in the University of Pennsylvania. 

 On this occasion, the members pledged themselves to a mutual 

 support, in all things pertaining to establishing an academy of 

 natural sciences; and to share the expenses and responsibility 

 which might accrue. They agreed " to contribute to the for- 

 mation of a museum of natural history, a library of works of 

 science, a chemical experimental laboratory, an experimental 

 philosophical apparatus, and every other desirable appendage 

 or convenience, for the illustration and advancement of natural 

 knowledge, and for the common benefit of all the individuals 

 who may be admitted members of our Institution." 



Mr. Thomas Say was chosen a member, and it was determined 

 that, although he had not attended the primary meetings, his 

 name should be enrolled among those of the founders. About 

 this date, Mr. Speakman became acquainted with Mr. Say, and 

 joined him in business under the firm of Speakman and Say. 

 The presence of Mr. Say at the meetings of the Academy, is re- 

 corded, for the first time, Thursday, April 16, 1812 ; after that 

 date, except when away from the city, he was rarely absent from 

 any session of the Society. 

 4 



