Royal Society

On 15 July 1662 the young society was incorporated by a royal charter; further charters, extending its privileges, followed in 1663 and 1669. The origin of the society was in the meetings for scientific experiment and study held in Wadham College, Oxford, during the Commonwealth and Protectorate. At the Restoration the meetings were transferred to London. During the seventeenth century virtually all the members were orthodox Christians. Since the presidency of Isaac Newton (1703- 27) the relationship with orthodox Christianity has diminished. The Royal Society is the national academy for science for Great Britain, but it is not controlled by the government. Over the years, however, it has advised governments on many matters (e.g., change of calendar in 1751) and conducted surveys for governments. Its headquarters are in Somerset House, London, where its massive library and historical museum are located.