Can the Royal Society justify its existence?

摘要

The tricky question of whether or not the Royal Society continues to justify its existence was raised in an editorial in The Lancet for 21 May.The organisation was established in 1660,and became in title the Royal Society in 1662.It originated in meetings of philosophers and scientists first held at Gresham College from 1645.In 1710 the society moved into Fleet Street,in 1780 into Somerset House and in 1857 into Burlington House.To be elected one of its fellows became the highest ambition of scientists in all disciplines.