A Short History of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia by Edward James Nolan

Author:Edward James Nolan [Nolan, Edward James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Nonfiction, History
ISBN: 4064066065164
Publisher: Good Press
Published: 2020-12-08T05:00:00+00:00

W. S. W. RUSCHENBERGER, 1807–1895.

Academy of Natural Sciences.

The building had been completed at a cost of $193,682.29. The sum of $50,000 had been subscribed from the amount realized by the sale of the old building, this sacrifice being made to secure the arrangement of the library and museum in time for the visitors attending the Centennial Exposition, from whom large additions to the revenues were expected in fees of entrance to the museum. Interest was, however, so concentrated on the exhibition in Fairmount Park that sightseers had little time for anything else, the additional income was only partially realized, the expenses of administration were greatly increased, and for the next few years the Treasurer annually reported a deficit.

Mr. Tryon, not entirely satisfied with the condition of affairs, resigned his position as Curator in July, 1876. His action was probably for the benefit of science as he thereafter was able to devote his time to his conchological studies without interference from outside engagements.

In November, 1875, it had been agreed that the American Entomological Society should be received into the Academy, and on May 16th of the following year the Entomological Section was organized on the basis of the proposed union, the Society retaining its corporate existence as far as the administration of its trust funds made it necessary. The union has been to the advantage of both institutions. The entomological interests of the Academy, almost entirely neglected from the removal of Say to the West until 1876, have been most judiciously administered, especially since the appointment of Dr. Henry Skinner as Conservator in December, 1884.

The organization of the Botanical Section was reported the following month. It was mainly due to the efforts of Mr. Thomas Meehan, who had succeeded Dr. John L. Le Conte as one of the Vice-Presidents in 1877, retaining the office until his death in 1901. He devoted much time to the increase and arrangement of the herbarium in association with Mr. John H. Redfield, the Conservator, whose later years were devoted to botanical studies, although prior to 1876 he had done good work in conchology. Mr. Meehan was a prudent councillor, active in his support of all enterprises for the public good. His personality was such as to inspire confidence, and this quality was productive of great benefit to the Academy when, in 1879, his friend, Henry N. Johnson,[20] influenced solely by his esteem for Mr. Meehan, left his entire estate, on the death of his wife, to the society. Mrs. Johnson died in 1885, and the resulting increase in the Academy's resources went far to relieving necessities which were yearly becoming more pressing. The estimated value of the Johnson estate was $52,083.

Modification of the By-Laws adopted in 1876 provided for the appointment of Professors and Assistant Professors, who were to be intrusted with the arrangement, increase and preservation of the collections. Under these provisions a number of professors were appointed by the Council. The lecture fees were not enough to defray expenses, proving, it was believed,

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