Twelve Scientists Gather: The Royal Society Is Founded
Twelve men gathered at Gresham College in London on November 28, 1660, after a lecture by Christopher Wren, and decided to form a society for the promotion of 'physico-mathematical experimental learning.' The group included Robert Boyle, Robert Hooke, and John Wilkins. Charles II granted them a royal charter in 1662, creating the Royal Society of London. It was the world's first national scientific academy. The Society established Philosophical Transactions in 1665, the oldest continuously published scientific journal. Isaac Newton served as president from 1703 to 1727. The Society's motto, 'Nullius in verba' (Take nobody's word for it), captured its commitment to experimental evidence over authority. Fellows have included Darwin, Einstein, Hawking, and over 280 Nobel laureates. The Royal Society remains one of the most influential scientific bodies in the world.
November 28, 1660
366 years ago
Key Figures & Places
John Wilkins
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Robert Boyle
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Christopher Wren
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Royal Society
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Gresham College
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Robert Moray
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Gresham College
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Christopher Wren
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Robert Boyle
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John Wilkins
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Robert Moray
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Royal Society
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William Petty
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