Science in 1900 London: The Royal Society

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Arthur H. Beavan continued his survey of science in Imperial London, published in 1901, with this discussion of the Royal Society:

Entering the quadrangle of Burlington House, Piccadilly, on the right hand are the entrances of the Royal Society, which was incorporated in the time of Charles II, and is nearly the oldest association of the kind in Europe.

Its first home was in Crane Court, Fleet Street, whence it was moved to Somerset House, and subsequently to old (then the new) Burlington House.

It has a splendid scientific library, pictures by Lely, Lawrence, Reynolds, Kneller, and busts of Royalties and famous scientists, by Nollekens, Chantrey, Roubiliac, and Westmacott.

Its Charter-book, a splendid work of art, is bound in crimson velvet with gold ornamentation, and contains priceless autographs of successive British sovereigns, from King Charles II to King Edward VII, and of all who have ever been Fellows of the Society, as well as of every celebrity in the world of knowledge for the last two hundred and thirty-eight years.

Along the corridors are graceful palms and gay flowers, while ladies make the place bright by their presence and conversation.

At these gatherings, invitations to which are prized, all that is new in the way of scientific discovery or mechanical invention is shown and explained with as little technicality as possible by learned Professors and Fellows to their wondering guests - objects such as photographic spectra of mysterious gases, of stars, X-rays, and other electrical marvels, collections of rare and curious insects, photos of marine animals, records of geographical, geological, and antiquarian research, microscopic and bacteriological preparations, and wondrous photographs of the latest solar eclipse, and the corona, etc.

Having signed the Charter-book, the new Fellow's hand is taken by the President, who says, "I do, by the authority, and in the name of the Royal Society for improving natural knowledge, admit you a Fellow thereof."

Next: Scientific London: The Royal Institution