Records of the Newtonian Society, Edinburgh

This material is held atEdinburgh University Library Heritage Collections

  • Reference
    • GB 237 Coll-175
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1760-1764
  • Language of Material
    • English
  • Physical Description
    • 2 volumes, 1 envelope containing photocopied pages of these.

Scope and Content

The records consist of a minute book covering 30 April 1760 to 27 November 1763, and also January 1764, and with the petition of A. Copland for membership, 17 December 1763. There is also a book of laws and the signatures of members of the Society, as well as a roll of miscellaneous questions to be debated.

Administrative / Biographical History

The Newtonian Society, Edinburgh, was formed on 30 April 1760 after consideration of the 'Advantages as well as pleasure which may arise from a more close Application to the Study of Natural Philosophy'. Its membership included David Wilkie, Samuel Charters, Alexander Thomson, Robert Hamilton, Michael Nasmith, Robert Blair, Thomas Young, George Douglas, and others.

Access Information

Generally open for consultation to bona fide researchers, but please contact repository for details in advance.

Acquisition Information

Records received November 1968, Accession no. E68.41.

Other Finding Aids

Important finding aids generally are: the alphabetical Index to Manuscripts held at Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections and Archives, consisting of typed slips in sheaf binders and to which additions were made until 1987; and the Index to Accessions Since 1987.

Subjects