Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh facts for kids
The Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh was a special group of people in Edinburgh, Scotland. They came together to study and learn about science, especially the "physical sciences" like physics and biology. It was a place where smart people shared their discoveries and ideas.
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A Society's Journey: From Start to Finish
This society began a long time ago, in 1771. It was first called the Physico-Chirurgical Society. Soon after, its name changed to the Physical Society. In 1778, it received a special permission from the King or Queen, called a Royal Charter. This is why it became known as the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh.
Over the next 50 years, the society grew by joining with other groups. It welcomed the Edinburgh Medico-Chirurgical Society in 1782. The American Physical Society joined in 1796. Other groups that became part of it included the Hibernian Medical Society (1799), the Chemical Society (1803), the Natural History Society (1812), and the Didactic Society (1813).
Where They Met and What They Did
The society had its own building on Nicholson Street in Edinburgh. It had a lecture hall where members could give talks. There was also a library filled with books for everyone to use.
From 1854 to 1965, the society published its own journal. This journal was called Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh. It contained articles about experiments in biology and studies of nature.
Who Were the Members?
People who joined the society were known as Fellows. They could even use the special letters "FRPSE" after their names. This showed they were part of this important group. The society also elected Presidents. These leaders helped guide the society and its work.
Some of the old records from the society, from 1828 to 1884, are kept safe. You can find them with the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
Leaders of the Society
Many important people led the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh over the years. These Presidents helped guide the society's work in science. Here are a few of them:
- 1776–77 John Grieve
- 1840 Edward Forbes
- 1851–54 Hugh Miller
- 1858–59 Andrew Murray
- 1876–79 Ramsay Heatley Traquair
- 1906–09 John Graham Kerr
- 1921–24 Professor D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson
