Introductory statement: “In becoming a member of the Academy of Natrual Sciences of Philadelphia, I promise to conform myself to its constitution, laws and regulations, and in testimony of this declaraction, I do hereunto subscribe my name.” The first page is signed by Wm. Maclure, Zaccheus Collins, George Ord, Reuben Haines, Edward Barton, John Barnes, Thomas Say, LeSueur, Isaiah Lukens, T. Peale, Jacob Peirce, J. Gilliams, and Benjamin Say. The first 51 pages have no dates or code designations but beginning on page 52, a “C” beside the name indicates that certificates had been supplied, while on page 59 a notation states that the date of sending the certificate was entered, this beginning with March 17, 1896. In 1917, members were supplied with a printed form, on which they were asked to sign their names as they should appear on the certificates.

After 1924, when the organization of the Academy was materially changed, members were not specifically nominated and voted in each month, and further, a limited interest in the natural sciences was evident in the changed character of the membership.