Editing American Philosophical Society (section)

== History ==

=== Founding ===

Benjamin Franklin founded the American Philosophical Society in '''1743''', proposing:
* A society of "ingenious men" throughout the colonies
* Exchange of scientific and practical knowledge
* Focus on "useful knowledge" that improved life
* Philadelphia as the central hub

The Society struggled initially but was reorganized and flourished from 1769.

=== Early Members ===

Founding-era members included:
* '''Benjamin Franklin''' (founder)
* '''Thomas Jefferson''' (third president of the APS)
* '''George Washington'''
* '''John Adams'''
* '''Benjamin Rush'''
* '''David Rittenhouse'''
* Foreign members: Lafayette, Volta, Humboldt

=== Achievements ===

The APS has been involved in major scientific endeavors:
* '''Lewis and Clark Expedition:''' APS advised and supplied the expedition
* '''Transit of Venus (1769):''' Observations organized by APS
* '''Scientific publications:''' Oldest continuously published learned journal in America

=== The Buildings ===

The APS occupies significant buildings on Independence Square:
* '''Philosophical Hall''' (1789): Where the Society met and still meets
* '''Library Hall''' (reconstruction): Houses the APS Library
* '''Benjamin Franklin Hall:''' Museum exhibitions