"philo," as members refer to the society, was founded october 2, 1813, by all thirteen members of the junior class, its original purpose being "the advancement of learning;" a counterweight and complement to penn's academic coursework. in the first meeting, the title of moderator was chosen for the society’s presiding officer; two censores morum were appointed by the third meeting, who were given the responsibility, maintained to this day, of fining members for various real or imaginary infractions. philo’s first meeting was on friday night, at which time it would remain up to the present day. minutes of the society’s meetings have been kept (relatively) faithfully in large leather-bound volumes since the first meeting. members still sign the recorder’s roll upon their initiation into the society, following the tradition started by the founders. early meetings were dominated by spirited debates and literary exercises where members would present original research, essays, or literary productions; both practices have continued through the present day.