Michigan academy of science, arts and letters

In March of 1892, University of Michigan zoology professor J. E. Reighard addressed a circular letter to well-known men in Michigan discussing the possible formation of a state society of naturalists "to comprise zoologists, botanists and physiologist." This effort was unsuccessful, but in 1894, Professors F. C. Newcombe, botany, J. B. Steere, zoology, and W. P. Lombard, physiology, Called for a meeting to organize a society whose role would be to co-ordinate scientific research and improve methods of teaching.

At a meeting on June 27, 1894, officers were elected for the newly formed Michigan Academy of Science. W. J. Beal was elected President, J. B. Steere, Vice President, and F. C. Newcombe, Secretary-Treasury. Sixteen persons attended from the University of Michigan; also represented were the Agricultural College at East Lansing, the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, Hillsdale, Alma and Adrian Colleges, and the cities of Detroit, Grand Rapids, Bay City, and Ann Arbor.

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