Note 156 — JOURNAL (PART II) (continued 3)

William Thornton was educated as a physician, and lived for many years in Philadelphia, where he was a member of the American Philosophical Society. He removed to Washington when the seat of government was transferred thither, and in 1802 was appointed head of the patent office, a place which he held through the remainder of his life. He was also an architect of ability, and designed the Philadelphia library building (1789).—Ed.