The Speculative Society facts for kids
The Speculative Society is an old club from Scotland, started in 1764. It was created during a time called the Scottish Enlightenment, which was a period of great learning and new ideas. This society is a place where people can practice public speaking and writing.
Most of its members were students from Edinburgh University. The main goal of the society was to help members get better at public speaking, debating, and presenting their ideas. Even though the society still meets in its special rooms at the university's Old College, it is not officially connected to the university anymore.
Contents
History of the Society
How it Began
The Speculative Society started in November 1764. A group of five friends founded it: John Bonar, the younger, John Bruce, William Creech, Henry Mackenzie, and a Mr Belches. They were encouraged by a well-known historian named William Robertson.
Debating Politics
In 1794, there was a disagreement within the society. Members like Francis Jeffrey and Walter Scott wanted to discuss current politics during their debates. At that time, it was a period when political discussions were sometimes difficult. The society became a popular place for young people who supported the Whig political group, such as Henry Brougham and Francis Horner.
Society Records
The society has a detailed history. A special book called "History of the Speculative Society" was printed in 1845. Later, in 1905, a committee from the society created another history book. This book included a long list of all the regular and honorary members.
Meeting Rooms in Old College
The Speculative Society still meets in its original rooms. These rooms are located in the Old College building at Edinburgh University. The rooms are very old and important, designed by famous architects Robert Adam and William Henry Playfair.
Influence on Other Groups
The Edinburgh Review
The Edinburgh Review was an important magazine that started in 1802. It was founded by a group of writers who first met and became friends through the Speculative Society.
Other Speculative Societies
In the early 1800s, another Speculative Society was formed at the University of Cambridge. This club later joined with others to create the Cambridge Union Society, which is a famous debating society. Around 1825, a thinker named John Stuart Mill also started a debating society in London. He based it on the Speculative Society of Edinburgh, but it did not last very long.
Modern Activities
How the Society Works Today
As of 2003, the Speculative Society had about 30 members. New members join after being invited and must go through a special voting process. Regular members stay for three years while studying. During this time, they need to write three essays and present them for about 15 minutes. After the presentation, there is a debate, and members vote on the topic. Members also have dinners together, sometimes with special guests. After three years, regular members become "extraordinary members" and can still attend debates if they wish.
Changes in Membership
For a long time, only men could be members of the society. However, in 2015, the members voted to allow women to join. This was a big change, with three out of four members voting in favor.
Public Understanding
Some people wondered if judges who were members of the society needed to tell people about their membership during court cases. It was decided that the society is "neither secret nor sinister." This means that being a member would not unfairly affect the outcome of a court case.
Notable Past Members
Many famous people have been members of the Speculative Society of Edinburgh, including:
- Henry Brougham, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux
- Arthur Melville Clark, who was President of the Society from 1926 to 1929
- Lord Cullen
- William Douglas of Almorness
- Rev Henry Duncan
- Alexander Colquhoun-Stirling-Murray-Dunlop
- Sir Nicholas Fairbairn
- Cyrus Griffin
- Francis Horner
- John Playfair
- Sir Walter Scott
- William Shee
- Robert Louis Stevenson
- Anthony Todd Thomson
See also
