To all persons to whom these presents shall come. Greeting. The American Philosophical Society held at Philadelphia for promoting useful Knowledge, desirous of advancing the Interest of the Society by association to themselves Men of distinguished Eminence, and of conferring Marks of their Esteem upon Persons of literary Merit have Elected William Temple Franklin Esquire Member of the said Philosophical Society hereby granting unto him all the Rights of Fellowship with all the Liberties and Privileges thereunto belonging.

In Testimony whereof the said Society have caused the Seal of their Corporation to be annexed to this Certificate and the same to be attested by the Names of the proper Officers this Twenty First Day of July in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Six