Society Hill in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Philosophiæ et Scientiæ Domus

Philosophiae et Scientiae Domus Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008

1. Philosophiae et Scientiae Domus Plaque

Inscription. On land granted in January 1744 by Thomas and Richard Penn, Proprietories of Pennsylvania, to Joseph and William Shippen was erected this house.

In 1798 it became the home of Dr. Caspar Wistar the great Physician devoted to Scientific work. Dr. Wistar succeeded Mr. Jefferson as President of the American Philosophical Society.

Members of the Philosophical Society met weekly here as the guests of Dr. Wistar and upon his death in 1818, formed the society in his memory known as “The Wistar Party,” meetings of which still continue to be held.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Colonial Era • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Science & Medicine. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1744.

Location. 39° 56.761′ N, 75° 8.898′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Society Hill. Marker is at the intersection of Locust Street and 4th Street, on the right when traveling east on Locust Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Caspar Wistar (here, next to this marker); Old St. Mary's (within shouting distance of this marker); Manuel Torres (within shouting

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distance of this marker); “The Place You Tread is Holy Ground-” (within shouting distance of this marker); Honor the Immortal Dead (within shouting distance of this marker); Old St. Mary Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Hon. James Campbell (within shouting distance of this marker); James Campbell (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. It is the nearby Caspar Wistar marker.

Additional keywords. Philosophae et Scientiae Domus

Shippen or Caspar Wistar House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008

2. Shippen or Caspar Wistar House

Plaque is on the northeast corner of the building.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,395 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 13, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.