A collection of medals and tokens, largely scientific awards, but with some miscellaneous items in base and precious metals. The core of the series consists of specimens of the Royal Society's own 15 medals and awards, from the earliest (the Copley Medal 1731) to the most recent (the Gabor Medal 1989). This includes some given to named Fellows and returned to the Society as gifts or bequests. Other items include prizes of foreign scientific academies, and pieces commemorating individual Fellows and Foreign Members.

Original of letters sent to the Royal Society, generally on official business, and usually to Officers or Assistant Secretaries. The collection is effectively in two parts; letters for the period 1800-1899 are bound as 17 volumes; those for 1903-1925 are held unbound in boxes. The full sequence forms a single chronological archive with only occasional gaps, the most notable being the complete absence of the years 1900-1902 and 1920. From 1885, the series may be used in conjunction with the New Letter Books, which contain the corresponding outgoing letters.

Single manuscript letters or small groups of related documents considered too small to be added to the Manuscripts General series. Includes various document formats. The collection contains all manner of papers by, about or belonging to the Fellows of the Royal Society. Subject matter covers all branches of the sciences and includes non-scientific material. Current accessions are limited to materials not generated by the Royal Society, but acquired by gift or purchase; these usually number less than 10 items per accession. This has not always been the practice, so that the collection also contains relatively large groups of papers, occasionally on Royal Society business.

Copy letters and notes by Henry Oldenburg, first Secretary of the Royal Society, prefaced by a note on the volume's presentation by James Douglas, 14th Earl of Morton.

A collection of eighteenth century letters and papers of Sir Joseph Banks, his family and other contemporary Fellows.

Copies of papers read to the Royal Society about 1662-1664, in three hands: pages 1-164 in one hand (the hand of Robert Hooke); pages 165-193 in another; and pages 193 to end in a third.

Copy of a diary kept by Edward Frankland from 1st January 1848 to 25 July 1849.

Correspondence, mainly to Martin Folkes on a large variety of subjects, including administrative matters for the Royal Society.

Miscellaneous letters and papers concerning the landed property of the Royal Society covering the nineteenth century.

A series of volumes containing additional papers read before, or collected by the Royal Society and others not entered into the Classified Papers series.

Inspectors' Visitation of the Royal Society Library, 1768-1769 and 1777.

Originals of the Fellows bonds for payment of fees to the Royal Society: Volume 1 covers 1674-1729, and Volume 2 covers 1729-1809.

Lists of Visitors introduced at Meetings of the Royal Society in 9 volumes as follows: Volume 1 1783-1788; Volume 2 1812-1820; Volume 3 1822-1832; Volume 4 1847-1855; Volume 5 1856-1866; Volume 6 1867-1877; Volume 7 1878-1888; Volume 8 1889-1898; Volume 9 1899-1906.

Acquisitions book for the Royal Society Library, appears to be nineteenth century.

Catalogue of the Royal Society Museum, possibly seventeenth or early eighteenth century.

A list of presents to the Royal Society, 1831-1849.

Papers relating to the 250th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Royal Society consisting of two separately bound addresses from the University of Paris and the University of Parma, a box of addresses from Europe other than the United Kingdom, Japan, USA, and the British Empire; a box of addresses from the United Kingdom; and a box of other miscellaneous papers.

Secretaries Draft Minutes of Meetings of the Royal Society: these are the notes, more or less rough, which were written up to make the Journal Books. They fall into two sections;

1. 'Original Minutes' A series of guardbooks and packets of papers, 12 in number, containing original minutes of the Society's meetings. These minutes gradually approach nearer and nearer to the form and appearance of the Journal Book, and the last few volumes (from 15 onwards) are little different from the corresponding volumes of the Journal Book in their style.

2. 'Rough Minutes' A series of 5 notebooks containing rough minutes of meetings. It seems likely that these are the notes taken down by the Secretary at the meetings, which were later written out much more carefully to make the original minutes (which are usually more legible and more clearly intended to be preserved). These 5 notebooks cover fairly well the gaps in the series of Original minutes caused by the absence of Volume VI (almost certainly this is Sloane MS 3342 in the British Library) and the exceedingly fragmentary state of Volume V.

Disregarding the gaps, the period covered by the combined original and rough minutes is from August 1662 to November 1761. The period covered by the individual volumes are also shown on the backs of the volumes

Copies of the outgoing letters written by the Foreign Secretaries of the Royal Society.

Council Attendance Book of Royal Society.

Typescript of article 'The Administration of the Royal Society' by Edwin Herbert Samuel, 2nd Viscount Samuel, presented by Dr Anthony R Michaelis, Editor of 'Interdisciplinary Science Review'.

Correspondence relating to the Royal Grant of Apartments in Somerset House to the Royal Society by King George III including a copy of a memorandum by Albert, the Prince Consort, in 1851.

Papers relating to the International Association of Academies including Generalplan zur Grundung einer internationalen Association der Akademien, 1899; Statuten der internationalen Assoziation der Akademien, 9-10 October 1899; Letter from J Larmor, Secretary of the Royal Society, to the President of the Council of the International Association of Academies, Imperial Academy of Sciences, Vienna 21 December 1905; Letter from Chevalier Edm. Marchal, Secretaire perpetuel de l'Academie Royale des Sciences, des Lettres et des Beaux-Arts de Belgique, 16 May 1905; Letter from Robert Harrison, Assistant Secretary of the Royal Society to The President, Kaiserliche Akademie der Wissenschaften, Vienna, 14 February 1906; Letter from J Gollancz, Secretary of the British Academy to Professor Victor von Lang, 26 February 1906; Letter from Robert Harrison to Professor Arthur Schuster FRS, 16 March 1906; Minutes of first sitting of General Assembly of the International Association of Academies, 29 May 1906; Minutes of the Committee meeting held on, 1 June 1906.

Papers relating to Thomas Henry Holland's relations with Russia and visit to the 220th anniversary of the Academy of Sciences of USSR in 1945. Also papers relating to a National Trust visit where Lady Holland was a member of the group in 1966.

Letters from various scientists to Walter White, Assistant Secretary of the Royal Society. With occasional material addressed to Charles Richard Weld and others. Usually on Royal Society business.

The archive correspondence can be characterized as the routine treatment of important events. In 1863, for example, Richard Owen wrote to White with brief instructions for his paper describing the feathered dinosaur archaeopteryx. Occasionally the letters are more significant for the Society's history. In an extended note of 1865, ex Royal Society President the Earl of Rosse 'a plain well-grown man, farmer like in appearance' discussed the merits of signing an election certificate for Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892). 'My opinion...was that it would be better to take the broad view and to elect men of great abillity...so as to strengthen the Society in carrying out, in the largest sense, its great object, that of improving natural science'. Tennyson was duly elected, an event which must have pleased White. The assistant secretary had become friendly with the Poet Laureate in the 1850s and White's published diary left a vivid picture of Tennyson reading aloud his Arthurian romances in the offices of the Royal Society.

Nominations for visiting professors to the Royal Society.

Declarations in lieu of charter oath by Royal Society Fellows.

Royal Society Library and Museum Account Book; the catalogue in account with the Royal Society.

The Royal Society Library and Museum; 'Libri desiderate' library request book with minutes of the Library Committee from undated to 1932.

Draft and copy minutes of Royal Society meetings taken by Robert Hooke, the first 120 pages consist of notes taken by Robert Hooke after going through the draft notes of his predecessor, Henry Oldenburg, as Secretary. Remaining pages are notes taken by Hooke as Secretary attending the Society meetings. Includes a folder of loose material which was removed from the folio without noting where they came from before it was acquired by the Society.

Copies of outgoing letters from the President, Officers and Assistant Secretaries. Each page may contain up to four copied documents. Volumes are numbered 1-73 with an additional volume for the period January 1901-November 1904.

Minutes of the meetings of the Officers of the Society to discuss matters of policy, the administration and staffing of the Society, and to consider reports from staff.

A series of (generally) printed material relating to, and commenting on, the Society's activities. The press cuttings and scrap books contain cuttings from newspapers interspersed with other printed matter, and occasionally items of manuscripts. The remaining volumes are concerned with particular events or subjects, such as 'HMS Challenger 1872-1895' or 'National Antarctic Expedition 1899-1904'. There are three types of volumes; the first volume is for the years 1846-1876, but therafter two types of book were kept;

a) biographical - 12 volumes, 1872-1910

b) general, 10 volumes 1885-1910.

These were discontinued for a short period, then merged: 36 volumes, 1918-1976. Thereafter newscuttings were photocopied and kept in monthly bundles.

A small collection of photostats or photocopies of manuscripts held in other institutions, but of some relevance to the Royal Society and its own Archives. The series largely consists of groups of correspondence, notable letters to Julius Plucker (PH.1) letters of Hevelius, Newton and Flamsteed (PH.2) and of Edmond Halley (PH.3) There are some records of other institutions, including a minute book of the Physiological Society 1876-1892 (PH.9), and copies of Rutherford's correspondence at the Cavendish Laboratory.

The Register Books exist in Original and Copy form. The Register Book contains copies of scientific papers submitted to the Society - the original documents may be found in the Classified Papers series. The papers were transcribed to establish their precedence for a particular discovery or idea. It follows that not all communications to the Society were registered in this manner, but only those judged to contain some significant material.

The Register Books contain copies of scientific papers submitted to the Society - the original documents may be found in the Classified Papers. The papers were transcribed in order to establish their precedence for a particular discovery or idea. Therefore not all communications to the Society were registered in this manner, but only those judged to contain some significant material. Dates as listed are those in which the paper was communicated to the Royal Society; dates of writing, where given, are included in the description of each paper. Many of the these papers were published in 'Philosophical Transactions'.

Reports on scientific papers submitted for publication to the Royal Society from 1832 to date (Peer Review). The referees were appointed to advise the Committee of Papers, and were drawn from appropriate subject disciplines within the Fellowship. Referees Reports vary in content between terse notes recommending acceptance or rejection to long monographs devoted to the subject under review. Much of their interest derives from the comment of one scientist on the work of another, for example Michael Faraday on J P Joule (RR.3.154,158) or Sir Oliver Lodge on Ernest Rutherford (RR.13.106).

Letters sent to the Royal Society, its President or Officers. Subject matter is both domestic and scientific. Domestic concerns include such matters as instructions from authors on the publication of papers. The letters on scientific topics appear to be those which were considered of small significance, e.g. giving notice of minor inventions, or appealing to the Society for recognition.

The Royal Society's Tercentenary celebrations in 1960 prompted learned societies and centres of academic excellence worldwide to send gifts and messages of congratulations. Presentation books, medals and other memorabilia were presented also. Many of the messages were highly ornate, and this series illustrates a wide range of calligraphic techniques and styles of binding.

The papers are extensive but by no means comprehensive. There is no personal or biographical material and very little record of Thompson's research. On the other hand his contributions to international science and football are extensively documented. There is a very full record of Thompson's Foreign Secretaryship of the Royal Society and his organisation of the European chemical conferences (EUCHEM) and substantial documentation of his work for ICSU and IUPAC, including the Commission on Molecular Spectroscopy and the Triple Commission on Spectroscopy. Thompson's contributions to international relations were not limited to science (or football) and he kept detailed records of his Chairmanship from 1972 of the Great Britain - China Committee (later Great Britain - China Centre). The football papers are substantial, particularly for the last decade of Thompson's life, and thus there is full documentation of his Chairmanship of the Football Association and of the many problems facing football at that time, including hooliganism amongst its supporters.

The Royal Geographical Society Additional Papers relate to all aspects of the RGS's history, 1830-1945, including Council minutes; committee minutes; Prospectus of 1830; reports on the state of the RGS, 1833 and 1837; correspondence concerning special meetings; financial statements and reports; notes on the Map Room and the Library; papers relating to the RGS's awards; regulations and byelaws; lists of Council and committee members; papers of the African Exploration Committee, 1877-1881; the fire-watcher's log books, 1940-1944; papers relating to the election of women as Fellows; papers on scientific enquiries, instruments and instruction; papers relating to the Kosmos, Raleigh and Geographical Clubs; formal addresses and diplomas; papers relating to anniversaries and other events; evening meeting minute books and papers relating to the leasing and furnishing of premises for the RGS, 1837-1930, in particular the purchase of Lowther Lodge.

Papers relating to the foundation, early history, Charter and seal and meetings of the Royal Geographical Society (RGS), 1830-1973, including Prospectus for the establishment of the London Geographical Institution, 4 May 1830; booklet containing printed prospectus, list of members, regulations and note on the Royal Premium of the RGS, 1831; minutes of RGS meetings 24 and 26 May 1830; histories of the RGS; list of RGS members, 1830; report entitled 'The RGS: a report on the state of the Society', 10 Jun 1833; paper by J R Jackson entitled 'Regarding the labours of the RGS, by a member', 1837; Charter of the RGS; drawings and correspondence relating to the RGS's seal, 1859; minutes of the Special General Meeting, 20 Jun 1863; papers relating to anniversary events and conversaziones, 1855-1930; tabular statement on the number of Fellows, 1908-1916; visitor's books, 1831-1973 and press cuttings.

Papers relating to Royal Geographical Society formal addresses and diplomas including photograph of formal address presented by the RGS to Queen Elizabeth II on 25th anniversary of her accession; formal addresses to the RGS from Geographical Societies from around the world on the occasion of the RGS centenary, 1930 and the 150th anniversary, 1980; diplomas awarded to the RGS at the British Empire Expedition, 1924 and document received from the Legislature of California for the Drake celebrations.

Papers relating to the Royal Geographical Society’s 150th anniversary, 1980, including printed circulars, correspondence, plans for events, committee notes, publications, script and cassette of radio programme and letter signed by the Duke of Kent, Honorary President of the RGS for use as a foreword in the appeal for funds.

Samples of Royal Geographical Society printed material, 1903-1979, including Fellows ticket of Rev G F Whidbourne, 1903-1904; printed notice of Christmas lectures, 1979, ticket for Edmund Hillary lecture, 19 Feb 1979 and incomplete series of programmes for meetings, 1920-1970.

Financial papers of the Royal Geographical Society, 1830-1987, including ledgers, 1831-1969; analysis of expenditure, 1867-1869; National Insurance payment's books, 1930-1933; papers relating to life insurance, 1953-1957summaries of audited accounts, receipts, balance sheets, correspondence, memoranda, deeds, cash books, 1830-1935; petty cash books, 1831-1921; bank books and deposit account books, 1831-1925 and report on the inadequacy of annual reviews of the RGS by J R Jackson, 2 Jan 1846.

Papers relating to the Royal Geographical Society Map Room, Library and Drawing Office, 1856-1973, including Map Room reports, 1856-1959; Map Room accounts, 1933-1967; Library reports, 1913-1958; memoranda; correspondence; proofs of maps, memorandum on photograph room and lantern slides catalogue, 1913-1914; catalogue of photograph collection, 1869-1920; and papers and correspondence relating to the committee on map storage, 1954.

Papers relating to the Royal Geographical Society awards, [1831]-1894, including draft of subject for Royal Premium, [1831]; notes and sketch of proposed medal; memorandum and minutes of the committee 'to consider of a Royal medal', 1836; report by J R Jackson entitled 'Observations regarding the principle of adjudication of the medals of the RGS', 2 May 1840; Committee report on candidates, 1840; resolutions and notes on the annual award of the Royal Premium, 14 Mar 1853; note on minor awards, 1894; memorandum on medals and awards, 7 May 1856 and list of Trust Funds or funds for special purposes.

Papers relating to Royal Geographical Society publications including the Journal of the Royal Geographical Society (JRGS) and Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society (PRGS), 1837-1987, including a list of institutions which received the JRGS, 1850; papers concerning the distribution of the PRGS, 1856 and 1859; report of the PRGS committee, 1878; expenditure and income of the PRGS; note on advertisements in the PRGS, 1880; list and related correspondence of advertisements in the JRGS, 1879; leaflets for advertising in the JRGS and the PRGS, 1893; report on the progress of, and other papers relating to Hints to Travellers by J H Leroy, 1882; samples of printed advertisements in Geographical Journal, 1930; proof and preliminary drawings of diagrams for H R Mill's Record of the RGS; publications account book, 1896-1922; and records of papers received for publication, 1837-1987.

Papers relating to the work of the Royal Geographical Society, cientific enquiries, instruments and instruction, 1830-1938, including rough minutes of the Scientific Committee, 1830; note on the potential effects of the projected magnetic expedition, 1842; draft letter to Sir Robert Peel, 1843; plan for correcting and extending knowledge of the Chinese Empire; suggestions for the captains of vessels proceeding to the Antarctic seas, 1892; notes on instruments including of the Instruments Committee, 1857-1860; memorandum on training travellers to make useful scientific observations, by Clements Markham, 1879; draft of proposed arrangement with Mr Coles for instruction, 1879; rough minutes of Scientific Purposes Committee, 1879; instruction and instrument report, 1881; list of instruments lent to travellers, 1877-1883; proposals for instruments, 1884; report on instruments, 1894; prospectus for a 'Course of Instruction in Practical Astronomy and Surveying…' as given by E A Reeves, 1922; 'Course of instruction in exploratory survey and field astronomy', by Col C F Close, 1931; minutes, notes and correspondence of the Committee of Supervision of Instruction, 1936-1938 and instruments catalogues, 1862-1941.