Philological Society (Philadelphia, Pa.) papers, 1809-1811

Mss.405.P5o

Date: 1809-1811 | Size: 0.25 Linear feet, 32 items
Special Request | On-site Photography Request
Collections Home | APS Home

Abstract

These papers consist chiefly of essays presented by the members, with such titles as "Ambition," "On Avarice," "State of Literature in the United States," and "Consequences of the French Revolution." Also included are several letters, including one from Benjamin Say, Jr.

Background note

Young men met regularly to present papers at the Philological Society of Philadelphia, a philosophical and literary association.

Collection Information

Physical description

32 items.

Provenance

Received from Katy J. Aiken, 1946.

Early American History Note

This collection contains various records from Philadelphia's Philological Society. Its contents lends insight into the literary culture of Philadelphia's polite society in the early nineteenth century (1809-1811). The collection contains many essays that discuss city life and problems. Other essays deal with issues such as ambition, avarice, literature, history, and the like. There is a detailed index with the title and topic of each essay. The Society's records also contain correspondence (often short) that documents its workings.

Indexing Terms


Genre(s)

  • Essays.
  • Institutional Records
  • Manuscript Essays
  • Miscellaneous

Personal Name(s)

  • Say, Benjamin, 1755-1813

Subject(s)

  • Learned institutions and societies -- Pennsylvania.
  • Literature, Arts, and Culture
  • Philadelphia History
  • Philology.
  • Social Life and Custom