Royal Society is the world’s oldest continuously existing scientific organization. Its full title is the Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge. The organization was founded in 1660 to promote the natural sciences. Its fellowship consists largely of leading British and Commonwealth scientists in such fields as chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics.
The society encourages scientific advancement by supporting scientific research and its applications throughout the world. It maintains extensive international contacts with scientists and scientific academies; provides advice on scientific matters to many groups, including the British government; and promotes science education.
The Royal Society has a library of books and manuscripts. It publishes several journals, including Philosophical Transactions and Proceedings. Its offices are in London.