The Royal Society, founded in 1660, is one of the world’s oldest scientific institutions, dedicated to promoting excellence in science. It was established during a period of profound intellectual and scientific revolution in England, often referred to as the Scientific Revolution.
Philosophical Transactions is the world’s first and longest-running scientific journal. It was launched in March 1665 by Henry Oldenburg, the Society’s first Secretary, who acted as publisher and editor. Oldenburg spun his wide-ranging network of European natural-philosophical contacts, the activity of the Royal Society, and his skills as a linguist and scientific editor into a new form of print intended to promote the enterprise of early modern science. The journal appeared monthly, selling for one shilling. The founding members, including notable figures like Robert Boyle, Christopher Wren, and John Wilkins, were part of a group of natural philosophers who aimed to advance knowledge through experimentation and empirical methods.
The Society’s formation was inspired by the works of Sir Francis Bacon, a philosopher, statesman, and advocate of the scientific method. Bacon’s influential writings, particularly “Novum Organum” published in 1620, emphasized the importance of observation, experimentation, and inductive reasoning in the pursuit of knowledge. His vision of a systematic and collaborative approach to scientific inquiry laid the groundwork for the principles upon which the Royal Society was founded.
King Charles II granted the Royal Society its charter in 1662, formalizing its status and endorsing its mission to improve natural knowledge. The Society’s motto, “Nullius in verba,” reflects its commitment to verifying claims through direct observation and experiment, rather than relying on authority. Over the centuries, the Royal Society has played a crucial role in advancing science, supporting pioneering research, and fostering international scientific collaboration.
Trail of the Green Man 