Preface.
The author of the following sketch, having been appointed to deliver the anniversary address before the Philomathean Society of the University of Pennsylvania, in the year 1826, was induced to make some investigations into the history of that institution, the results of which were stated, in general terms, on the occasion referred to. In the course of his inquiries, numerous facts presented themselves, which, though not sufficiently important to claim a place in a brief address, appeared to him too much so to be passed over with neglect; and the idea occurred to him, that a history of the University, for the preparation of which he possessed some materials, was due to the relation in which the Institution was placed to the state and city, and might prove interesting, if not serviceable to the community. He accordingly extended his researches, and having accumulated such additional facts and information as appeared essential to the purpose, drew up the following account of the school, and presented it to the Historical Society, as a body peculiarly interested in whatever concerns the past or present affairs of Pennsylvania, and one to whose judgment he was desirous of submitting
