Feltham, J. (1802). The Picture of London, for 1803: Being a Correct Guide to All the Curiosities, Amusements, Exhibitions, Public Establishments, and Remarkable Objects, in and Near London; with a Collection of Appropriate Tables. For the Use of Strangers, Foreigners, and All Persons who are Not Intimately Acquainted with British Metropolis. United Kingdom: Lewis & Company.
In the Soho Square house of the President of the Royal Society of London, Joseph Banks, a meeting created the Royal Institution in March 1799. The goal was to introduce new inventions and teach science to the general public through lectures and demonstrations. It officially became a membership organization in 1810, and their work continues today. (Our history | Royal Institution (rigb.org)).
Founders included Henry Cavendish, Sir Benjamin Thompson, and George Finch. Dr. Thomas Garnett was the first professor and public lecturer who spoke about experimental philosophy, mechanics, and chemistry. After Humphry Davy was appointed his assistant, he resigned, and took over. Davy’s successor was William Thomas Brande. Michael Faraday would also serve for a time. His work at the Royal Institution was fundamental to the evolution of electricity as we know it today.
Fifteen scientists from the Royal Institution have gone on to win Nobel Prizes.
