The Magellanic Premium of the American Philosophical Society

Established by a gift of 200 guineas by John Hyacinth de Magellan of London in 1786 "for a gold medal to be awarded from time to time under prescribed terms, to the author of the best discovery or most useful invention relating to navigation, astronomy, or natural philosophy (mere natural history only excepted.)." The Magellanic Premium is the nation's oldest medal for scientific achievement.

Recipients

1960

Stuart William Seeley
In recognition of his work on Shoran.
1959

Charles Stark Draper
In recognition of his pioneer work in modern inertial navigation.
1956

Karl von Frisch
For his studies of animal sense organs and his analysis of dance of bees.
1953

Philip Van Horn Weems
In recognition of his invention of methods and instruments for celestial navigation.
1952

James G. Baker
In recognition of his many distinguished contributions to theory and practice in optics, and especially for his design of the super-Schmidt meteor cameras.
1922

Paul R. Heyl and Lyman J. Briggs
The Earth inductor compass.
1887

Lewis M. Haupt
The Physical Phenomena of harbor entrances.
1864

Pliny Earle Chase
The Discovery of certain new relation between the solar-and lunar-dirnal, variations of magnetic force and of barometric pressure.
1836

James P. Espy
A Theory of Rain.
1825

Charles D. Brodie
Invention to repair the sied of ships under the surface of the water.
1823

James Ewing
Invention of an improved hydrant.
1820

Josiah Chapman
An Improvement in the manufacture of canvas.
1809

James Humphreys
A Model and description of steering apparatus.
1807

John Garnett
Description and use of a new and simple nautical chart.
1804

William Mugford
An account and description of a temporary rudder.

Benjamin Smith Barton
Number of the Pernicious insects of the United States.