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Seeing Further: The Story Of Science And The Royal Society

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The Story Of Science And The Royal Society

Seeing Further: The Story of Science and the Royal Society

by Bill Bryson

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	413 pages
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The Royal Society is the UK's national academy of science, and the oldest scientific society in the world. Founded in 1660, it has played a major role in the development of science, and its members have included some of the most famous scientists in history, such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Albert Einstein.

In this book, science historian James Moore tells the story of the Royal Society, from its foundation to the present day. He explores the Society's role in major scientific discoveries, its influence on government policy, and its impact on the wider culture. He also looks at the Society's changing membership over time, and the challenges it has faced, including sexism, racism, and political interference.

The Birth of the Royal Society

The Royal Society was founded in London in 1660, at a time when science was undergoing a major transformation. The old Aristotelian view of the world, which had dominated Western thought for centuries, was being replaced by a new mechanical philosophy, based on the work of scientists such as Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler.

This new philosophy emphasized the importance of observation and experiment, and it led to a number of important scientific discoveries, such as the laws of motion and the laws of thermodynamics.

The Royal Society was founded by a group of scientists who were interested in promoting this new philosophy. They included some of the most famous scientists of the day, such as Robert Boyle, John Evelyn, and Christopher Wren. The Society's first meeting was held on November 28, 1660, at Gresham College in London.

The Royal Society and the Scientific Revolution

The Royal Society played a major role in the Scientific Revolution. Its members were at the forefront of many of the most important scientific discoveries of the time, including the discovery of calculus, the development of the telescope, and the invention of the steam engine.

The Society also played an important role in promoting the new scientific philosophy. It published a journal, called the Transactions of the Royal Society, which contained reports of the Society's meetings and the latest scientific discoveries. The Transactions was widely read by scientists all over Europe, and it helped to spread the new scientific ideas.

The Royal Society and the Enlightenment

In the 18th century, the Royal Society continued to be a major center of scientific research. Its members included some of the most famous scientists of the Enlightenment, such as Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, and James Watt.

The Society also played an important role in the development of the Enlightenment's philosophical ideas. Its members were strong advocates of reason and free inquiry, and they believed that science could be used to improve the human condition.

The Royal Society in the 19th and 20th Centuries

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Royal Society continued to be a leading scientific institution. Its members included some of the most famous scientists of the time, such as Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, and Marie Curie.

The Society also played an important role in the development of new scientific technologies, such as the telephone, the radio, and the computer.

The Royal Society Today

The Royal Society is still a major scientific institution today. Its members include some of the world's leading scientists, and it continues to play an important role in the development of science.

The Society's mission is to promote excellence in science and to use science for the benefit of humanity. It does this by funding research, supporting scientists, and providing advice to governments and other organizations.

The Royal Society's Legacy

The Royal Society has had a profound impact on the development of science. Its members have made some of the most important scientific discoveries in history, and they have helped to shape the way we think about the world.

The Society's legacy is one of scientific excellence and public service. It is an institution that has played a vital role in the advancement of science and the betterment of humanity.

The Story of Science and the Royal Society is a fascinating account of one of the world's leading scientific institutions. It is a book that will appeal to anyone who is interested in the history of science, the development of new technologies, or the role of science in society.