The association with the mythological hero who stole fire and gave it to man as a gift is natural. The fire has from antiquity been symbolically associated with mental gifts which distinguish man from other beasts, all of his other capabilities being inferior to those of one or another animal. Explicitly acknowledged goals of the organization have always been to provide a forum for compatible discussions of topics and concerns unique to individuals with extremely high intelligence.

Our Journal

The society's journal, Gift of Fire, is the primary means of communication amongst members. Members and subscribers may click here for more information about Gift of Fire, including copyright and article submission information.

Motto

The society's motto, Ignis Aurum Probat, (variously translated as "Value is proven in the fire" or "Fire tests gold") was introduced by the late Monty Walker while he was editor of the Gift of Fire. It is part of a quotation from Seneca which reads, Ignis aurum probat, miseria fortes homines, that is translated as "Fire proves gold, but calamity [proves] strong men." Monty Walker also introduced an oil lamp logo.

Prometheus Society Officers

2005-2008 Officers of The Prometheus Society
President	Membership Officer	Editor
Fred Britton Email President	Alfred Simpson Email Membership Officer	G.M. DeCubellis Email Editor
Internet Officer	Treasurer	Ombudsman
Karyn S. Huntting Email Internet Officer	Brian M. Schwartz Email Treasurer	Dr. John Fila Email Ombudsman

Officers' Page (for info on current and past officers)

Constitution

Membership

Membership Intelligence Qualification Criterion: The Prometheus Society consists of persons who have demonstrated a very high level of general intelligence. The level is defined in the constitution. Various tests have been employed in the past and The Membership Committee has completed an evaluation to update those requirements. For more information, see the Prometheus Society Membership Committee Report.

Any individual who has previously been accepted for membership in Prometheus may rejoin without requalification. To inquire concerning qualification for membership, contact the Membership Officer, Alfred Simpson.

Click here for more information on membership qualification.

Membership and/or Subscription Fees and Benefits

The membership fee is currently $25.00 US per year anywhere in North America, $35.00 US elsewhere. This includes a subscription to the journal, Gift of Fire, which nominally is published ten issues per year. Members are granted virtually unrestricted author privileges in this journal. Also included for this fee are the passwords for accessing online issues of Gift of Fire. An online-only membership option is available for $10.00 US anywhere in the world.

Payment of Dues and Fees

Payment of membership and subscription fees can be made directly to the Treasurer, Brian M. Schwartz, or can be made online at our dues payment center. Please note that a range of online payment options is now in place.

Domain of Members

Voting on issues, constitutional amendments, and officers are the exclusive domain of members. Non-members may subscribe to the journal and receive password access to the all issues of the online Gift of Fire. The fee for subscription to the journal is the same for both subscribers and members.

Back Issues

Back issues of Gift of Fire are available at $2.50 US per issue in North America or $3.00 US elsewhere. To subscribe, purchase back issues, or renew subscription or membership, send dues and/or fee payment directly to the Treasurer, Brian M. Schwartz (contact Mr. Schwartz by email for details), or use our new online payment system.

Online Payment Options

The Treasurer and Internet Officer have worked to integrate online payment of dues, susbscription fees, and other fees into the Prometheus Society website to make the payment process much simpler and quicker for all members and subscribers, and to allow a wide variety of payment options worldwide. This system was put into operation in May 2003.