In 1665 there was a revolution…

Pip WillcoxCurator of Digital Special Collections

Bodleian Libraries@pipwillcox

De Roure, D, The future of scholarly communications,Insights, 2014, 27(3), 233–238;

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1629/2048-7754.171

“In 1665 there was a revolution…”

Photograph: Pip WillcoxEditing: Adi Himpson

• In English rather than Latin

• Peer-reviewed scientific journal

• Longest running scientific journal in the world

• Bringing the “new philosophy” to the public

• Producing knowledge through public demonstration

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society

• The President, Council, and Fellows of the Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge

• 28 November 1660: College for the Promoting of Physico-Mathematical Experimental Learning

• Nu!ius in verba

• Meetings date back to 1645

The Royal Society of London

By User Magnus Manske on en.wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons;http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AHenry_Oldenburg.jpg

• c. 1619—1677• Theologian, natural philosopher,

diplomat, linguist• Joint first secretary to the Royal Society

Henry Oldenburg

• Robert Hooke on Henry Oldenburg:“those who then knew Mr Oldenburg, understood we! enough how little he himself knew of philosophic matter”

Volume 1

“The Happy Inventions of obliging Men all over the World, to the General Benefit of Mankind.”

“…be invited and encouraged to search, try, and find out new things, impart their knowledge to one another, and contribute what they can to the Grand design of improving Natural knowledge”

Photograph: Pip Willcox

• 3 copies in the Bodleian Library

• Christopher Wren’s (1632—1723), Savilian Professor of Astronomy, 1661—1673

• Edmond Halley (1656—1772), Savilian Professor of Geometry, 1704–1742

• Radcliffe Library

Books: social objects

Photographs: Pip Willcox

• Howard Hotson, Professor of Early Modern Intellectual History, University of Oxford

• Chris Lintott, Professor of Astrophysics & Citizen Science Lead, University of Oxford

• Anna Marie Roos, Senior Lecturer in the History of Science and Medicine, University of Lincoln

An invitation

We look forward to welcoming you

Quod feliciter vortat academici Oxoniens bibliothecam hanc

vobis reipublicaeque literatorum T.B.P.

Thomas Bodley has built this library for you and for

the Republic of Letters. May the gift turn out well.

Photograph: Pip Willcox