Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, a private institution for research and education in natural history. In the academy's museum are exhibits showing mammals in their natural habitats, and exhibits of birds, minerals, and fossils. The natural history reference library has 155,000 volumes. The academy carries on research in taxonomy, ecology, and limnology, and conducts field expeditions. Educational services include museum classes, lectures, films, and other programs for youth and adults. The academy was founded in 1812.