THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES WAS FORMED UNDER A CHARTER PASSED AS AN ACT OF INCORPORATION BY THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND SIGNED INTO LAW ON MARCH 3, 1863. NAS OPERATES AS A PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATIONOF DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS ENGAGED IN SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING, OR MEDICAL RESEARCH. NAS IS DEDICATED TO THE FURTHERANCE OF SCIENCE FOR THE GENERAL WELFARE. NAS PROVIDES ADVICE AND OTHER SERV…