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

1794

Nicholas Collin
Description of a speedy elevator.


1792

Robert Patterson
An Improvment on metallic conductors or lightning-rods.

William Thornton
Cadmus, or a treatise on the elements of written language...With an Essay on the mode of teaching the surd, or deaf and consequently dumb, to speak.


1790

Francis Hopkinson
Description of a Spring-block, designed to assist in sailing.