Does American Society Encourage Selfishness?
Philadelphia, PAThe Declaration of Independence is an iconic document, famous for the signers distinctive signatures and the bold heading that begins IN CONGRESS. July 4, 1776. But as any visitor who has seen the original Declaration at the National Archives knows, the original is badly faded and looks quite different from the version that is reprinted in books, featured in television and movies, and offered for sale in any number of gift shops. Those much more legible versions are descended from an engraving created by William J. Stone in the 1820s. Copies printed from Stones original copper plate are rare, and an analysis by the American Philosophical Societys Head of Conservation Anne Downey uncovered a hidden treasure in the Librarys collectiona particularly rare paper copy of William J. Stones official engraving of the Declaration of Independence, making it only the eighth known copy in existence. Archival research demonstrates the APS copy was a donation from Secretary of State Daniel Websters personal collection in 1842.