Royal SocietyIn 1660, a meeting of a dozen scientists in Gresham College, London, constituted the Society for the Promoting of Physico-Mathematical Experimental Learning to promote experimental philosophy. Robert Hooke's first publication was a pamphlet on capillary action, which he read here to the Society on 10 Apr 1661. The Society subsequently petitioned King Charles II to recognise it and to make a royal grant of incorporation. The Royal Charter, which was passed by the Great Seal on 15 Jul 1662, created the Royal Society of London. Gresham College is named after Sir Thomas Gresham (son of Sir Richard Gresham, Lord Mayor 1537/38) who conceived the idea of building an Exchange modelled on the Antwerp Bourse.« |
