founders was from its origins that a debate between people of different backgrounds and professional proficiency but with the same level of responsibility, could contribute more effectively to improve the ordinary knowledge of issues by studying and discussing to spot new solutions. The second point shared by founders and still now essential to the spirit which is at the bottom of the Philomates Association activity is the deep conviction that the fastest way to solve world's problem is based on good international relationships, good multilateral organizations functioning and on the so-called government "intermediate bodies". The first Philomates Society's meeting was in Rome at the beginning of 2006 and it was established a working plan for the next seven years (indeed this is the length of the presidential term of office). Since then the association carried on its own activity on a seven-year program basis, monitored yearly by the executive council in charge. Initially the association was made of a narrow number of members, four territorial representatives and three national sections. Afterwards the number increased little by little, taking more and more into account the number of the represented countries. Several national groups have structures strictly depending on the managing board, according to the local needs. For the groups of the main non-Italian cities it is also expected a national level activity and a secretariat. The current First Tetrarch, Alexander, was elected on 23 September 2015 by philomatic conclave. References Ferri, Mario Guimarães & Motonhama, Shozo. História das Ciências no Brasil. São Paulo, ERU, Vol. 3, 1981. External links Webpage of the Société Philomathique de Paris Philomates Association Philosophical societies Scientific societies based in France