Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society

Founded in 1665 by Henry Oldenburg, the Royal Society’s first Secretary, Philosophical Transactions is the world’s ...

Read More

Founded in 1665 by Henry Oldenburg, the Royal Society’s first Secretary, Philosophical Transactions is the world’s first and longest-running scientific journal, helping establish scientific communication, priority and scrutiny. Isaac Newton, whose papers on light and colour appeared in its pages, served as President of the Society from 1703 until 1727; the 1721 abridgement containing several maps represented here was issued with his printed imprimatur—literally, permission that it be printed. Our collection includes Eusebio Kino’s map disproving California’s insularity, an eyewitness map of Nea Kameni formed during the Santorini eruption of 1707–08, Andrew Johnston’s map of Palau and the Caroline Islands, and a survey of the Scilly Isles. Four charts by John William Lubbock and William Whewell trace cotidal lines and the science of tides.

Founded in 1665 by Henry Oldenburg, the Royal Society’s first Secretary, Philosophical Transactions is the world’s first and longest-running scientific journal, helping establish scientific communication, priority and scrutiny. Isaac Newton, whose papers on light and colour appeared in its pages, served as President of the Society from 1703 until 1727; the 1721 abridgement containing several maps represented here was issued with his printed imprimatur—literally, permission that it be printed. Our collection includes Eusebio Kino’s map disproving California’s insularity, an eyewitness map of Nea Kameni formed during the Santorini eruption of 1707–08, Andrew Johnston’s map of Palau and the Caroline Islands, and a survey of the Scilly Isles. Four charts by John William Lubbock and William Whewell trace cotidal lines and the science of tides.

Back to Top