Formed in 1841, as the Chemical Society of London, it was the result of increased interest in scientific matters.

One of its aims was to hold meetings for the communication and discussion of discoveries and observations, an account of which shall be published by the Society. In 1847 its importance was recognised by a Royal Charter, which added to its role in the advancement of science, the development of chemical applications in industry. Its members included eminent chemists from overseas including August Wilhelm von Hofmann who became its president in 1861.

Its activities expanded over the years, becoming a major publisher in the field of chemistry. In 1980 it amalgamated with the Royal Institute of Chemistry, the Faraday Society and the Society for Analytical Chemistry to become the Royal Society of Chemistry.