HISTORICAL EXTRACTS (CHRONOLOGICALLY STATED) About a century ago there lived in Philadelphia two young men who independently conceived the idea of founding an American institution for promoting knowledge of physical science and its diffusion in the arts and industries. One of them was Samuel V. Merrick, then not quite twenty-one years old, and the other was Prof. William H. Keating of the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Merrick issued several calls for meetings for the consideration of the project, but no one attended. Professor Keating had completed his scientific training in France and Switzerland and had returned to the United States full of zeal for the diffusion of science applied to agriculture and the mechanic arts. He was immediately appointed to the newly created chair of Chemistry in its application to Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, at the University of Pennsylvania, and while thus engaged sought to interest his friends and others in his plans for a scientific and technical society. Mr. Merrick and Professor Keating comparing notes agreed to make another effort to hold another meeting for purposes they both had in mind. Six gentlemen attended this meeting and a committee was appointed to draft a plan of organization, constitution, etc. A small meeting was held, a plan approved, and Mr. Merrick and Professor Keating set about to carry it into execution. Four of the committee selected from 1200 to 1600 names of citizens from the City Directory and invited them to attend another meeting to be held at the county court house at Sixth and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, on the evening of February 5, 1824. The court house was filled to overflowing and from this meeting dates the founding of The Franklin Institute. 1824, February 5. First public meeting held in the county court house, Sixth and Chestnut Streets, for the purpose of organizing The Franklin Institute. A constitution was adopted and a day fixed for the election of officers. March 4. Committee on Lectures appointed and the Chair of Mineralogy and Chemistry established. March 30. An act to incorporate The Franklin Institute of the State of Pennsylvania, for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. Dr. William H. Keating, Professor of Mineralogy and Chemistry, delivered the first lecture of the first course in the Academy Building, Fourth Street, below Arch, in April. A Drawing School for members' sons and apprentices was opened in October. John Haviland, professor in charge, assisted by Hugh Bridport, artist and painter of miniatures. October 18, 19 and 20, first exhibition of products of American industry held in Carpenters' Hall. Thirty premiums were offered for specimens of |