Page:A Short History of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia (1909).djvu/32

20 delivered as they were with a quaint earnestness which held the attention even of those unable to follow his abstract deductions.

These were the men who were actually engaged in original scientific work on and about the fiftieth birthday of the Academy, in connection with its library and museum. Their contributions to knowledge were published in the Proceedings and Journal, which were additionally reinforced by contributions from most of the leading naturalists of America.

Dr. Lea declined a re-election in 1863, and Dr. Wilson very reluctantly and on the persistent urging of nearly every one he met during his visits to the premises, allowed himself to be placed in nomination, and was, of course, unanimously elected at the annual meeting of that year. His term of office was the briefest in the history of the Academy. He was not altogether satisfied with the conduct of the entomological department, and had, with characteristic zeal, allied himself with the American Entomological Society, which had been founded in 1859 and incorporated in 1863. His sympathies during the war were distinctly Southern and therefore not in harmony with the rather aggressive patriotism of the majority of his fellow-members. Moreover, his desire to remain in retirement and to avoid any expression of gratitude for his enormous benefits to the society made his position as President distasteful to him. As a matter of fact he had not presided at a single meeting when, on June 28, 1864, he sent in his resignation.

Dr. Wilson was succeeded by Dr. Robert Bridges, who had been elected to membership in 1835. There probably has never been one among those devoted unobtrusively to the interests of the society who rendered more efficient service than Dr. Bridges. He had served at various times as Librarian, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Auditor and Vice-President, and did effective work on numerous standing and special committees, including those on the Library, Publications, Finance, Botany, Entomology, Herpetology and Ichthyology, Physics and Chemistry. His unassuming modesty was like that of his predecessor, and after one year in office he declined a re-election, and was succeeded by Dr. Isaac Hays whose early services to the society, especially as Curator and Chairman of the Publication Committee, established the propriety of his election, for there is no doubt that to his zeal and ability alone was due the continuation of the first series of the Journal. He presided with dignity and efficiency for four years, and was then succeeded by Dr. William S. W. Ruschenberger.