SCIENCE IN BRITAIN
Learned societies and independent scientific institutions play a large part in
promoting the sciences in Britain, although they do very little actual research.
Most pure research is conducted in the Universities, which also play an essential part
in maintaining the supply of trained specialists. The learned societies play an important
part in the discussion and publication of the results of research.
At present there are a lot of learned scientific societies in Britain. One of the most
well known is the Royal Society which was founded in 1660. Its present activities include
the holding of the scientific meetings, publication of research work, mainly in the
“Philosophical Transactions” and the “Proceedings”, the delivery of lectures, the
presentation of medals. Although an independent corporation the Society has always had a
special relationship with the government.
The Royal Society of Arts was founded in 1754. Its principal object has been to
promote the progress of all science. It deals with scientific, artistic, technical and
commercial problems. The Society regularly holds meetings and publishes a monthly
journal.
The British Association for the Advancement of Science was founded in 1831 to
promote general interest in science and its application. After organizing the Association
many eminent scientists as well as young students annually attended the meetings
seminars.
Its 14 sections cover the whole range of pure and applied and international relations
of science.
