The National Academy of Sciences is an honorific society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the general welfare. The National Academy of Sciences was signed into being by President Abraham Lincoln on March 3, 1863, at the height of the Civil War. Academy members and foreign associates are elected in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research; election to the Academy is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded a scientist or engineer. For more information: http://www.nasonline.org