The Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge, usually called the Royal Society, is one of the oldest scientific academies in the world. It grew out of meetings at Gresham College in London, after a lecture by Christopher Wren, and it received a royal charter from Charles II a couple of years later. Its early fellows included Robert Boyle, Robert Hooke and Isaac Newton, who served as its president, and its motto, Nullius in verba, expresses reliance on experiment rather than authority. It published the Philosophical Transactions, the oldest scientific journal in continuous publication, and it continues to advise governments and award medals and fellowships.
Before and after
- c. 1660Eruption of Long Island
- 3 May 1660Treaty of Oliva
- 7 June 1660Birth of George I of Great Britain
- 6 August 1660Death of Diego Velázquez
- November 1660Founding of Royal Society of London
- 1661Construction of Palace of Versailles
- 1662The last confirmed sighting of the dodo
- 30 April 1662Birth of Mary II of England
- 19 August 1662Death of Blaise Pascal
More in Society, economy & sport
- 1583Founding of University of Edinburgh
- from 31 December 1600 to 1 June 1874Founding of East India Company
- 5 November 1605Gunpowder Plot
- 14 November 1740Founding of University of Pennsylvania
- 1746Founding of Princeton University
- 25 May 1754Founding of Columbia University
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 17th century.