University of Wales, Aberystwyth Physics Society Archive

The archive contains accounts, minute books and correspondence of the University of Wales, Aberystwyth Physics Society.

The University of Wales, Aberystwyth Scientific Society was established in 1892. Ten years later, it was decided to form sectional societies, and the Natural History and Chemistry divisions appeared. In 1906, a similar Physical Section was established. The first meeting was held on 6 November that year, with a lecture by Professor Schott on 'Recent Work in Spectra'. The Scientific Society remained the co-ordinating body for the various sections for many years, and was officially recognised by the SRC in 1926.

In 1923, the Physical Society was renamed the Physical Club. More emphasis was placed upon social events, and the club began organising puzzle nights and social evenings as well as lectures. In 1935 its new informality was reflected in a change of name once again to the Physics Club. During the post-war years the club flourished. A departmental trip was introduced, along with an annual dinner and a club tie.

During the 1960s, various name changes occurred, including a return to the Physical Society. Sub-groups also branched out from the Society, with the formation of an Electronic-Physics Group and an Astronomy Society. But this placed a strain on funds, and difficulties were encountered in organising such a variety of lecture programmes. Therefore, in 1975, the Society became known as the Physics and Astronomy Society. In 1981, though, the society once again reverted to its original name, the Physical Society (Cymdeithas Ffisegol).

The papers may be consulted through application by e-mail to: archives@aber.ac.uk or by post to: Aberystwyth University, Archives, Information Services, Llandinam Building, Penglais, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DB. Tel: 01970 628593.

Description compiled by Rhian Phillips, Archives Hub project archivist, with reference to W M Jones, 'One Hundred Years of Physics at UCW Aberystwyth', unpublished second draft, (1997).

Basic finding aid available on request from Archives staff.

The University of Wales, Aberystwyth Department of Physics Archive is also held by the University, along with the papers of two former Aberystwyth physicists, E J Williams and D A Richards.