XXXIV PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON. 
actions of emperors and kings, the amours of princes, and the in- 
trigues of courtiers and priests. These are the bubbles and froth 
of the social world that have attracted nearly all historical writers, 
but there is a growing feeling that such recitals do not contain the 
substantial parts of history. Who would not wish to know more 
of the social forces that have been at work in Europe and in our 
own country, and which have converted some of the most rugged 
and barren parts of the world into the richest and most prosperous— 
of the ingenious and persevering industry that brings about the 
greatest changes in the customs of men and in the political power 
of nations? These changes come from an increase of command over 
the forces of nature, and in our ability to make these forces work 
for us. Now it is the discovery and study of these forces and their 
modes of action that form a large part-of scientific work; and if we 
turn to the academies of Europe we shall find that they have a 
splendid history. By their encouragement of the labors and writ- 
ings of ingenious men, by just criticism, and by the publication of 
memoirs these academies take a prominent place in the history of 
science. It is in these enduring monuments of the human intellect, 
rather than in brazen statues or marble shafts, that the real glory 
of the race consists, 
The men who settled our country were separated by a great ocean 
and a month’s journey from the civilization and learning of Europe. 
They had ample work to do in building houses and roads, and in 
establishing themselves securely in this new world, However, they 
soon began to set up schools and colleges, so that the elements at 
least of learning might be kept alive. But the inhabitants were 
scattered over a great extent of country, and means of communica- 
tion were poor. Under these circumstances concerted action and 
union into societies were difficult, and a century and a half passed 
away before the formation of a formal scientific society. The first 
society of this kind that I find in our country is the American 
Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, organized in 1769. At that 
time Philadelphia was the largest and the leading city of this 
country, and being in a good degree free of the bitter theological 
quibbles and disputes that embroiled New England communities, it 
was better adapted for the home of a scientific society. It was also 
the residence of Benjamin Franklin, who appears to have taken an 
active part in the formation of the new society, and who became its 
first president. Franklin was a native of Boston, but when seven- 
