History of tKe Organization 



To Dr. George H. Ashley, who became State Geologist in 1910, 

 the Tennessee Academy of Science probably owes its existence. 

 Soon after his arrival in the State, Dr. Ashley suggested such an 

 organization, and the matter was taken up by him with members 

 of the faculties of several educational institutions and with other 

 men interested in scientific work. The suggestion met with ready 

 response, and Professor C. H. Gordon, of the University of Ten- 

 nessee, took the initiative in preparing a call and securing the 

 signatures of several of the members of the faculty of the Uni- 

 versity of Tennessee. Other names representing Vanderbilt Uni- 

 versity and the State Geological Survey were soon added to the 

 call and the letter was sent to about one hundred persons engaged 

 in or interested in scientific work in the State. 



The original call prepared by Prof. Gordon was dated February 

 5, 1912, and was signed by C. H. Gordon, Samuel M. Bain, 

 Maurice Mulvania, Asa A. Schaeffer, Ernest Shaw Reynolds, 

 E. C. Cotton, J. A. Switzer, Chas. A. Perkins, H. A. Morgan, 

 Chas. O. Hill, J. T. Porter, L. C. Glenn, J. T. McGill, John Daniel 

 and Geo. W. Martin. 



On March 4, 1912, the letter was duplicated and sent to inter- 

 ested persons, the following additional signatures being affixed: 

 Geo. H. Ashley, A. H. Purdue and W. A. Nelson. 



Following is a copy of the original call for the organization of 



the Academy : 



"Nashville, Tenn., March 4, 1912. 



"Dear Sir — Believing there is urgent need of a closer association of 

 those interested in the study of the sciences and related branches in the 

 State of Tennessee, and that the time is ripe for an organization that will 

 promote these interests, the undersigned ask your cooperation in the estab- 

 lishment of a State Academy of Science. 



"The field to be occupied by this organization will correspond to that 

 of similar organizations now in successful operation in other States. It 

 is proposed to meet annually for the reading and discussion of papers 

 related to scientific work or achievements of the members and for the 

 furtherance of the scientific interests of the State of which, in its corporate 

 capacity, the Academy will stand as the representative. 



