Science AssociationIn 1863, the National Academy of Sciences was chartered in the U.S. as President Abraham Lincoln approved the Act of Congress which established it (12 Stat. L. 806). The Act stipulated that the Academy would “whenever called upon by any department of the Government, investigate, examine, experiment or report upon any subject of science or art.”The Academy would receive no compensation, but the actual expenses incurred for the Government's requirements were to be paid from appropriations. In 1863, Alexander Dallas Bache became its first president, who served until 1867. Several scientific societies were formed in the U.S. before this date, the earliest being the Boston Philosophical Society founded in 1683.*«[Image: Details from 1924 portrait made for the dedication of the Academy Building, showing Founders at signing of the charter (top L to bottom R) Peirce, Bache (first president of the Academy), Henry, Agassiz, President Lincoln, Sen. Henry Wilson, Adm. Davis, and Gould.] |
