This Premium of John Hyacinth deMagellon of London was given to Dr. Charles Stark Draper by the American Philosophical Society in November 1959 for his development of inertial guidance systems for rockets and missiles. The award's history began with deMagellon's offer to the American Philosophical Society in 1785 to sponsor a "yearly scientific prize" for discoveries or useful improvements in the areas of navigation or natural philosophy (the Society would later add astronomy). The Society's president at the time, Benjamin Franklin, accepted the offer. The Premium has been given to twelve navigational engineers, twelve philosophers, and eight astronomers since the first award in 1786. Dr. Draper donated a collection of his awards, including this medal, to the National Collection in 1974.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
AWARDS-Medals & Ribbons
Manufacturer
August C. Frank Co.
Dimensions
3-D: 22.9 × 4.9 × 1cm (9 × 1 15/16 × 3/8 in.)
Storage: 27.9 × 10.2 × 3.8cm (11 × 4 × 1 1/2 in.)
Materials
Copper Alloy
Gold Plating
Synthetic Fabric
Inventory Number
A19800502000
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Charles S. Draper
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.