1877.] 155 
{Fraley. 
Mr. Cresson had by this time won a distinguished 
reputation in the scientific world, and in appreciation 
of it, the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania 
conferred on him the honorary degree of Master of 
Arts. 
A year or two later, he received from the University 
of Lewisburg, Pa., the honorary degree of Doctor of 
Philosophy. 
In the year 1855, Samuel V. Merrick, Esq., the chief 
founder and second President of the Franklin Institute, 
resigned, and Mr. Cresson was elected almost by ac- 
clamation, to succeed him. 
The establishment of the Franklin Institute in the 
year 1824, chiefly through the devotion and personal 
exertions of Messrs. Merrick and Keating, led to a 
more thorough appreciation of the dependence of the 
useful arts on the physical sciences. The Institute 
was soon a pronounced success. It brought together 
the best scientists of the City, and the great body of 
intelligent manufacturers, mechanicians, merchants, and 
professional men, and it thus entered on a career of 
usefulness which probably has not been excelled any- 
where. 
On coming to the City, Mr. Cresson entered actively 
in the work of this body and for upwards of forty years 
was an active participant in its labors and usefulness. 
As a member or chairman of important committees, as 
President, Professor and Counselor, he was always 
prepared and earnest. His usefulness was manifested 
