Franklin, Benjamin

Engraved broadside document signed ("B. Franklin") as President of the American Philosophical Society, on laid paper (15 1/4 x 9 1/2 in.; 388 x 241 mm), Philadelphia, 20 January 1786, being David Rittenhouse's certificate of membership in the APS, accomplished in a clerical hand, countersigned by Society Vice Presidents John Ewing, William White, and Samuel Vaughan and by Society Secretaries James Hutchinson, Robert Patterson, Samuel Magaw, and John Foulke, embossed paper seal of the Society suspended from the certificate by original purple silk ribbon; a few pinholes at intersecting folds, very light browning.

Engraved broadside document signed ("B. Franklin") as President of the American Philosophical Society, on laid paper (15 1/4 x 9 1/2 in.; 388 x 241 mm), Philadelphia, 20 January 1786, being David Rittenhouse's certificate of membership in the APS, accomplished in a clerical hand, countersigned by Society Vice Presidents John Ewing, William White, and Samuel Vaughan and by Society Secretaries James Hutchinson, Robert Patterson, Samuel Magaw, and John Foulke, embossed paper seal of the Society suspended from the certificate by original purple silk ribbon; a few pinholes at intersecting folds, very light browning.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The membership certificate for one of the principal figures of the American Philosophical Society—and its second President. "The American Philosophical Society held at Philadelphia for promoting useful Knowledge, desirous of advancing the Interest of the Society by associating to themselves Men of distinguished Eminence, and of conferring Marks of their Esteem upon Persons of literary Merit have Elected David Rittenhouse Esquire A.M. of Philadelphia a Member of the said Philosophical Society, hereby granting unto him all the Rights of Fellowship, with all the Liberties and Privileges thereunto belonging."

The American Philosophical Society was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743, but the scholarly society soon lapsed into drowsy inactivity. It was revived in 1767 and two years later merged with the American Society for Promoting Useful Knowledge. David Rittenhouse, one of the most significant mechanical scientists and astronomers in the American colonies, was elected to membership in 1768. However, the APS did not adopt a membership certificate until 1786, when all living members were entitled to receive one. Rittenhouse's certificate, therefore, is part of the very first issuance.

Largely self-taught, Rittenhouse achieved great successes in mathematics, surveying, and astronomy; virtually all of his many publications appeared in the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society. During the Revolution, he served as an engineer on the Committee of Safety, as well as in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. He was later appointed by President Washington as the first director of the United States Mint.

But Rittenhouse is best remembered for his meticulous crafting of clocks and scientific instruments: orreries, compasses, levels, telescopes, transits, thermometers, and barometers. The description of his orrery was the very first scientific paper read before the American Philosophical Society, 22 March 1768. Thomas Jefferson, who succeeded Rittenhouse as President of the APS, wrote of Rittenhouse and his orreries in Notes on the State of Virginia: "He has not indeed made a world; but he has by imitation approached nearer its maker than any man who has ever lived from the creation of this day."