APS offices and the library reading room are closed December 23–January 1 for the holidays. Regular hours resume January 2. The APS museum is open December 26–29, 10 am–5 pm. 

Publications

Essays by Benjamin Franklin: Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, 1786

American Philosophical Society
book cover with franklin silhouette
Transactions of the American Philosophical Society
Volume 107, Part 3
978-1-60618-073-0
Purchase at Penn Press

The American Philosophical Society, the oldest learned society in the United States, was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin for the purpose of “promoting useful knowledge.” He was active in his work with the Society, and corresponded with many noted scholars throughout his life. A few selected papers printed by the APS in the early years of the Society are included here.