James Mease was not a charter member, but he was instrumental in reviving the Society in 1805, when he was elected Secretary at the first meeting. He had received a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1792 and although he served as a surgeon in the War of 1812, because he was independently wealthy, he did not practice medicine full-time. Mease worked closely with Richard Peters, serving as Secretary of the Society for thirteen years, Vice-President for fourteen years, and President for two. He was one of the most energetic and productive members of the Society. He belonged to several other agricultural and horticultural societies in the city and was involved in the founding of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in 1827. Along with Benjamin Rush, he delivered lectures at the Medical School on the importance of studying diseases in animals and gave lectures that supported the study of veterinary medicine. A member of the American Philosophical Society and knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects, he was a prolific author. He oversaw the publication of the Society’s Memoirs, and he was responsible for building up the Society’s collection of books, both through purchase and through the exchange of the Memoirs with other national and international societies. By these means he increased the notoriety and influence of the Society.