Ever since its foundation in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Phila. has preserved manuscript documents even after the information has been published. The secretaries, curators, librarians, editors & other officers of the Academy had all cached such papers somewhere for posterity. These holdings were largely brought together by Edward Nolan for his history to celebrate the 100th anniversary. He had hoped to have his long history published & presented as a memorial at that time. When funds were not available for printing, the ¿Short History¿ listed in the bibliography was used instead. The materials published here in microfilm form have always been locked away in the Academy¿s hall & always remained in the custody of the librarian.

Rev. ed. of: Guide to the archives and manuscript collections of the American Philosophical Society. 1966.