Neuf Soeurs, Masonic Lodge of

Masonic lodge in Paris which was named for the Muses.

The philosopher Helvétius (d. 1771) had the idea of a lodge that would embrace representatives of all disciplines and arts. His friend, the astronomer Lalande, started the lodge with the assistance of Madame Helvétius (1776).

Franklin was admitted between April 7 and May 21, 1778. At the celebration of his joining, he was presented with the Masonic apron that had belonged to Helvétius, and that Voltaire had worn briefly before his death.