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For more than two hundred years the Royal Institution of Great
Britain has been at the centre of scientific research and the popularisation
of science in England. Within its walls some of the major scientific
discoveries of the last two centuries have been made. These include
the discovery of sodium and potassium by Humphry
Davy, electro-magnetic induction by Michael
Faraday, why the sky is blue by John
Tyndall, the liquefaction of hydrogen by James
Dewar, the structure of benzene by Kathleen Lonsdale under William
Henry Bragg and the first enzyme to have its structure determined
by David Chilton Phillips under William
Lawrence Bragg. The technological applications of some of this
research has transformed the way we live.
Furthermore, most of these scientists were first rate communicators
who were able to inspire their audiences with an appreciation of
science. This was achieved through the provision of a number of
lecture series. One of the characteristic
features of lectures at the Royal Institution is the inclusion of
experimental demonstrations. Indeed so popular were the lectures
of Davy
in the early nineteenth century, that all the people coming in their
carriages made Albemarle Street so crowded that it became the first
one way street in London. The Friday Evening Discourses and the
Christmas Lectures for young people were both founded by Faraday
in the mid-1820s and the latter have been televised since 1966.
Lectures at the Royal Institution have encompassed a wide cultural
range and the Arts-Science Dialogue continues this aspect of the work of the Royal Institution.
With such a distinguished heritage, the Royal
Institution has acquired a considerable collection of historical
material much of which is of international significance. The collections
comprise original scientific apparatus, archives, portraits and
furniture associated with those who have worked in the building.
This material is currently being electronically catalogued and the
Royal Institution is registered as a museum with Re:source. Furthermore
the building, or rather the series of buildings, and its history
have played a major role in the development of the Publication Guides
to the Royal Institution
Guides to the Royal Institution
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