The Amer. Philosophical Soc. (APS) was formed in 1743 in Phila. Members contributed a wide variety of items to the APS, such as rocks, fossils, and plant specimens, which they acquired through their involvement in such activities as physics, astronomy, math, geography, med., chemistry, mechanics, agriculture, arts, trades and manufactures, and animal husbandry. This collection of items became known as the Cabinet of Curiosities (CoC). The APS Lib. and the CoC were kept in the homes of members, meeting rooms, and elsewhere. Contents of this book: Intro. to the CoC; The Role of the Curators; Native Amer. Artifacts; Botanical Specimens; Coins and Medals; Fossils; Manufactured Goods; Mineralogical Specimens; Oddities; and Zoological Specimens.