Call Number:

03

Repository:

Byberry Library

Extent:

0.3 linear feet (1 volume, 1 folder, 1 binder, 1 notebook)

Language:

English

Date:

1886-1990 (inclusive)

Creator:

Byberry Philosophical Society.

Abstract:

The Byberry Philosophical Society was formed in 1829 with the objective of collecting and promoting scientific knowledge. They accomplished this through hosting lectures, purchasing relevant texts, and the collection of natural history specimens. Byberry Philosophical Society records, 1886-1990, includes a meeting minute book dating from 1886 to 1959, as well as collection inventories, newspaper clippings, and typescript copies of minutes.

"In the autumn of 1829 a constitution was produced for ratifying the affairs of a society to be known as The Byberry Philosophical Society. There were nine members at first, but that number soon grew to twenty-two. The object was the acquisition and promotion of scientific knowledge. The first plan for obtaining it was by means of lectures, which were delivered by one or other of the members. They followed each other regularly, according to the order laid down in textbooks adopted by the Society. Natural Philosophy was the first to engage their attention... Lectures continued to be given by the members for many years, and included such subjects as Magnetism, Vegetation, Metereology, Ornithology and Entomology." (300th Anniversary)

The society owned a large collection of natural history specimens, Indian relics, and curiosities. Many of the birds and animals were mounted by Charles Comly and Isaac Comly, both of whom were skillful taxidermists.

Bibliography: "300th Anniversary of Byberry Friends Meeting," 1983.

This collection includes notes on the history of Byberry Philosophical Society; typescript copies of minutes, 1837-1927; collection inventories, circa 1940-1980; list of donations, 1976-1977; newspaper clippings; typescript copies of constitution and minutes; and a 20th century catalog. The highlight of this collection is a meeting minute book, 1886-1959.

The Byberry Philosophical Society’s collection of natural history specimens and artifacts is stored in the space but not considered part of this archival collection.