Page:The History of the University of Pennsylvania, Wood.djvu/18

12 simple academy, deferring a further extension of the scheme, till the success of their first efforts should have demonstrated its practicability, and smoothed the way for its accomplishment

In the academy were embraced one school for the Latin, one for English, and one for the Mathematics, under the care of three masters with their assistant ushers, the principal of whom had the title of rector. A charity school was also opened, in which the children of poor citizens were instructed gratis. It is worthy of observation, that among the teachers originally employed in the academy was Charles Thompson, afterwards rendered conspicuous by his office of secretary to the Revolutionary Congress, and venerable in the recollection of Philadelphians for his virtues and abilities, as well as for the advanced age which he attained. He was, during four years, one of the tutors in the Latin school, at the end of which time he left it in pursuit of other business, having discharged the duties of his office with entire satisfaction to his superiors.

Finding the schools to prosper, and to present a good prospect of permanent usefulness, the trustees resolved to apply for a charter, which was readily granted them by the proprietors. By this instrument, which bears date July 13th, 1753, they were incorporated by the name of the "Trustees of the Academy and Charitable School in the province of Pennsylvania."

A continuance of prosperity soon induced them to extend their views beyond the limits within which they had originally restricted themselves. To the branches before taught, were now added Logic, Rhetoric, Natural and Moral Philosophy; and it was as a teacher of these sciences that the Rev. Wm. Smith, who in the future became highly distinguished, was introduced into the institution. The study of the Greek Language was joined with that of Latin; and a