Which learned society elected Tesla a member in 1896?

The American Philosophical Society elected Tesla as a member in 1896.

Founded in Philadelphia by Benjamin Franklin in 1743, the American Philosophical Society is one of the oldest learned societies in the United States. Its membership has included scientists, inventors, statesmen, and scholars from many disciplines.

Tesla’s election came during a period of extraordinary recognition. His alternating-current system had gained international attention, and his induction motor, polyphase patents, and high-frequency experiments had made him one of the best-known electrical inventors of the era. He had also received the Elliott Cresson Medal from the Franklin Institute in 1894.

The society’s name can cause confusion because Tesla was associated with several scientific and engineering organizations. The American Philosophical Society was not the American Physical Society, founded later in 1899. Tesla’s 1896 distinction was an election to membership in the older Philadelphia learned society.