dence of the good sense and kindly feeling of both parties interested that the proposition of union prevailed when the proper influence was brought to bear upon them.”[1] From the minutes of the American Society, January 28th, 1768, it appears that the overture came from the younger association, and in the negotiation that ensued the medical members were influential in securing the result, as the following letter from Dr. Bond to Dr. John Morgan will show:—
Dear Sir: I have considered the proposals you made me yesterday of our taking some further steps towards your uniting with us in a Philosophical Society, and as it was always my desire, and I think may yet be readily effected, I should be pleased to confer with you about it, and will do everything in my power to cultivate that harmony which should subsist among the lovers of science.
I will confer with such of our members as I can meet with this morning, and I shall be glad to meet you, with such of your members as you think proper, at my house, or any other place, at half-after twelve o’clock this day, that no time may be lost.
I am, yours respectfully,
January 28th, 1768.
At the end of the year (December 30th, 1768), the two societies were united under a title which was derived from both, “The American Philosophical Society for Promoting Useful Knowledge.”
Throughout the entire subsequent career of the Philosophical Society the medical profession has had its full share of honor in the bestowal of offices upon its members. This distinction has been fully earned by the deep interest taken by them in its welfare, and by their contributing to its transactions scientific investigations and papers which have promoted its reputation. Of the thirteen presidents elected by ballot five have been medical men.[2]
