The Royal Society, 1660–1940
A History of its Administration under its Charters

This book is an administrative history of the Royal Society, written by its Treasurer Sir Henry Lyons (1864–1944).

Henry Lyons (Author)

9781107492813, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 March 2015

366 pages
23.4 x 15.6 x 1.9 cm, 0.51 kg

Sir Henry Lyons (1864–1944) was the Director of the Science Museum and the Treasurer of the Royal Society in London. He began researching this administrative history of the Society in 1940, and managed to complete it shortly before his death from ill health. In it, he reviews the way in which the Society's council governed its affairs during the two and a half centuries in which it gained its reputation in the scientific world. A brief bibliography is supplied at the end of every chapter. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the history of science and the creation and continuation of the Royal Society.

Note by the President of the Royal Society
Introduction
1. The invisible college: before 1660
2. The founding of the Society: 1660–70
3. The difficult years: 1671–1700
4. Sir Isaac Newton and Sir Hans Sloane: 1701–40
5. A growing administration: 1741–78
6. Sir Joseph Banks: 1778–1820
7. The scientific revolt: 1820–60
8. A scientific society: 1861–1900
9. Research: 1901–40
Conclusion
Appendix 1. The second charter, 22 April 1663
Appendix 2. Statistical tables
Appendix 3. Average number of ordinary fellows and of foreign members for each five-year period between 1665 and 1940 (with diagram)
Index.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]