Ruschenberger, a native of New Jersey and a graduate in medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, was commissioned as a surgeon in the Navy in 1831, holding that position until his retirement in 1869. He wrote several books about his travels over the world during those years; thereafter settled in Philadelphia and became actively associated with several institutions. He was at different times president of the Academy, president of the College of Physicians, and vice-president of the American Philosophical Society. As president of the Board of trustees of the Building Fund he successfully raised money to build the present quarters of the Academy. This collection contains biographical material, photographs, publications, and writings, obituaries, letters, records of the Trustees of the Academy Building Fund, and miscellaneous data on the proposal of the University of Pennsylvania that the Academy move to West Philadelphia. These volumes were assembled by Edward J. Nolan.