The Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences (1816–1838) was a literary and science institution in Washington, D.C., founded by Dr. Edward Cutbush (1772–1843), a naval surgeon.
[1] Thomas Law had earlier suggested of such a society "at the seat of government.
[1] The second article of its constitution states: "The Institute shall consist of mathematical, physical, moral and political sciences, general literature and fine arts.
"[2] The honorary members included three presidents who were still alive during the 1820s; John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison as well as Marquis Lafayette and Baron Cuvier, however, John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson were both resident members.
[3] The membership of the institute included many prominent men of the day, including representatives of the military, government service, medical, law and other professions.