The Joseph LeConte Scientific Society was formed on January 12, 1898. Active membership was limited to professors, instructors, and members of the Experiment Station staff. The first president of the society was Charles Ferris, and its purpose was to encourage original investigation along scientific lines among members; to keep members informed on the important scientific problems of the day; and to increase members’ interest in scientific literature. Papers presented in its first year of existence included “Dynamometers,” by J. R. McColl; “Gas Engines,” by C. E. Ferris; “The Cotton Seed and Its Products,” by J. B. McBryde; and “The Structure of the Peach Loaf,” by S. M. Bain.