The Royal Society began informally in London around 1645 when a number of scientists, including Robert Boyle, Christopher Wren and Robert Moray, met to discuss the then new experimental philosophy. Boyle described the Royal Society, as it officially became upon receiving the Royal Charter from Charles II in 1660, as 'our invisible college or the philosophical college'. Charles Richard Weld (1813-69) was the assistant secretary and librarian of the Royal Society from 1845 until 1861 and his well-written History of the ...
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The Royal Society began informally in London around 1645 when a number of scientists, including Robert Boyle, Christopher Wren and Robert Moray, met to discuss the then new experimental philosophy. Boyle described the Royal Society, as it officially became upon receiving the Royal Charter from Charles II in 1660, as 'our invisible college or the philosophical college'. Charles Richard Weld (1813-69) was the assistant secretary and librarian of the Royal Society from 1845 until 1861 and his well-written History of the Royal Society was published in 1848. It is the work for which he is best known. Compiled from a wealth of authentic documents such as the Royal Society journal, register, council books and letters, the History contains detailed memoirs of the presidents, including Robert Boyle, Sir Isaac Newton, Roger Bacon and Sir Humphrey Davy. Each memoir examines the scientist's life, experiments and involvement with the Royal Society. The work details the development of western science from the twelfth century to the mid-nineteenth century and examines the role of the Royal Society in this development. One interesting chapter reveals the foundation of an early Society in Italy, which was eventually discontinued. An appendix contains the 'Descriptive Catalogue of the Portraits in the Possession of the Royal Society', which was compiled by order of the council in 1860. This two-volume work is an essential reference tool for all historians of science and scholars interested in the history of one of the world's oldest continuous running societies. --comprehensive historiography of the Royal Society --a vital reference work for historians of science --contains an extensive index --14 engraved illustrations
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Seller's Description:
2 volume set. Ex-library books, but no visible library markings. Full brown cloth covers, faded, with gilt coat of arms on front covers, and gilt cushion and mace on back covers. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. Spines are faded and edge worn, with some loss at top and bottom. Pen signatures of previous owners on front endpapers, and at top of title pages. Some damp stains to top edge of volume 2, mainly showing on endpapers, and corner of frontis page, not affecting the illustration. Binding loose at hinges of both volumes. Frontis illustration to both volumes, with offsetting mainly protected by tissue guards. Publisher's catalogue at rear of both volumes. Binder's label at rear of volume 1 – Bound by Remnant and Edmonds, London. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 1800grams, ISBN: