The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences was founded in Stockholm in 1739 by a small group of scientists and public figures that included the naturalist Carl Linnaeus and the instrument maker Mårten Triewald. It was created in the spirit of the Enlightenment, with a strong emphasis on useful knowledge for the country's economy, such as agriculture, manufacturing and natural resources. The academy published a journal, kept collections and observatories, and gave Sweden a scientific voice abroad. It became widely known in the 20th century because it selects the laureates of the Nobel Prizes in physics and chemistry, as well as the prize in economic sciences. It remains an independent organization and a central institution of Swedish research.
Before and after
- from 1738 to 1861Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
- from 10 May 1738 to 1 January 1740Nadir Shah's invasion of India
- 24 May 1738Birth of George III of Great Britain
- 15 November 1738Birth of William Herschel
- 2 June 1739Construction of Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
- from 22 October 1739 to 18 October 1748War of Jenkins' Ear
- 1740Rise of Hasidic Judaism
- from 1740 to 1763Silesian Wars
- 2 June 1740Birth of Marquis de Sade
More in Art, literature & culture
- 31 October 1517Origins of Lutheranism
- 10 November 1517Origins of Protestantism
- 1563Construction of Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
- 1565Construction of Agra Fort
- 1622Publication of Othello
- from 17th century to 19th centuryAge of Enlightenment
The era
This moment belongs to the Early modern world (1500 CE to 1760 CE), voyages, printing and new ideas. You can also browse everything in the 18th century.