Rutgers College. Natural History Society. 1857-1874.

A small group of enthusiastic and zealous students of Natural History at Rutgers College on June 31, 1857 met with the express idea of forming a permanent organization aiming not only to investigate the study of natural science and its kindred sciences, but also to conduct antiquarian research, the study and collection of relics from ancient times. A committee was appointed to draft a constitution, and by-laws were adopted that following September. This organization was then called the Natural History Society of Rutgers College. Under the leadership of Dr. George H. Cook, Professor of Chemistry and Natural Sciences, the Society, made up of students and faculty and numerous honorary members, officers and correspondents, enjoyed almost a decade of meetings, talks and discussions of rare findings. From the founding of this association until the mid-1860's. there were 140 active members participating in activities of this organization. Unfortunately, the Natural History Society came to an end in 1867. In 1874, attempts were made by students to re-organize the defunct society. Officers were elected and the level of enthusiasm seemed as high as it was back in 1857.