Frank H.T. Rhodes, professor of geological sciences and president emeritus at Cornell University, has been elected president of the American Philosophical Society (APS) for a three-year term.

Membership in the society signifies extraordinary accomplishments. The 700 current members from around the world are distinguished scientists and scholars in the mathematical and physical sciences, biological sciences, social sciences and humanities and eminent figures in the professions, arts and public affairs. During the 20th century, more than 200 members were awarded the Nobel Prize.

Rhodes served as Cornell president for 18 years. At the time of his retirement in 1995, he was the longest-serving Ivy League president and a national leader as an advocate for education and research. He played a significant role in the development of national science policy under several presidents and served as chair of the National Science Board, the policy-making body of the National Science Foundation.

Still active, Rhodes continues to aid Cornell development efforts and is involved in national education and science policy. Earlier this year, he was the Jefferson Lecturer at the University of California-Berkeley and gave the keynote address at the annual meeting of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities.

A geologist by training, Rhodes is author of more than 70 major scientific articles and monographs and five books. He holds honorary degrees from more than 30 institutions worldwide and is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Born in Warwickshire, England, Rhodes is a naturalized U.S. citizen. He earned three degrees from the University of Birmingham, England.

Based in Philadelphia, the APS was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin in order to "promote knowledge in the colonies." Most of the founding fathers, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who served as its third president, were members. The APS supported

many of the first research projects carried out in America, from astronomical observations to the exploration of the Louisiana Territory and anthropological studies of Native Americans. Currently, its grant program totals approximately $400,000 per year.

Current Cornell faculty members who are APS members are Hans Bethe, Thomas Eisner, Thomas Gold, Roald Hoffmann, Jerrold Meinwald, Edwin E. Salpeter and Benjamin Widom. Emeritus faculty members Meyer Howard Abrams, Brian Tierney, Robin M. Williams and Robert R. Wilson are also members, as well as Medical College alumnus C. Everett Koop and the late Carl Sagan.