Since its foundation in 1660 with a remit to assist and promote the accumulation of useful knowledge, the Royal Society has pioneered scientific exploration and discovery of everything from gravity to archaeology. The oldest scientific academy in existence and arguably the most prestigious, its backbone is its Fellowship of the most eminent scientists in history, including Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein. Today, its Fellows are the most influential men and women in science, many of whom have contributed to this ground-breaking volume alongside some of the world’s most celebrated novelists, essayists and historians.

This lavishly illustrated book celebrates the Royal Society’s vast achievements over its illustrious 350-year history, as well as its enormous and ongoing contribution to the development of modern science. With unrestricted access to the Society’s archives and photographs, twenty-two of the most celebrated scientists, essayists and historians explore ideas from a range of themes relating to the history of science and the mutual shaping of science and society.

‘As we approach the Society’s 350th anniversary in 2010, we have an opportunity to build on the work of these great scientists. The discovery of the electron, the splitting of the atom, the computer, the double helix and the world wide web were all the works of fellows of the Society.’ David Attenborough

Hardback
05-02-2010
Harper Press
9780007302567
235 x 180 mm
488