The Royal Society is a learned society for science, and is possibly the oldest such society in existence. It was founded in November 1660, by King Charles II as “The Royal Society for the Improvement of Natural Knowledge”. The Society’s early meetings included experiments performed firstly in the garden of Gresham College, London and secondly at Arundel House, also in London. The charter creating the “Royal Society of London” was granted on 15 July 1662, which stipulated that:
“no person be admitted amongst us unless he or she subscribe to this Charter”.
A second charter was granted in 1663 which provided that: “the said Corporation shall consist of a President, Council and Fellows”. This charter also specified that: “the number of fellowships shall not exceed 40”; however since then the number has risen to over 80. The membership began to increase rapidly from 60 at the start of the 18th century to over 600 by its end. Today there are more than 1,600 Fellows (including Honorary and Foreign), nearly 80 Corresponding Members (Foreign members who live outside Britain), and some 1,500 Foreign Members. Fellowship entitles holders to use the post-nominal letters FRS after their name; it is an award made for scientific distinction and carries with it considerable prestige.