Geographic Society
NATION- AL, a society founded in 1888 at Washington, D. C., for the purpose of collecting and diffusing geographic knowledge.
The principal means of accomplishing the latter purpose is the official organ of the society, the "National Geographic Magazine." The research work of the society is carried on independently, as well as in co-operation with other institutions and organizations. The society has organized or participated in many scientific and exploring expeditions in North and South America. The membership of the society is over 500,000.. Its headquarters at Washington are located in a building owned by the society and containing a valuable library of over 50,000 volumes.