The Royal Institution of Great Britain was set up in 1799 by the leading British scientists of the age, including Henry Cavendish and its first president George Finch, the 9th Earl of Winchilsea, for "diffusing the knowledge, and facilitating the general introduction, of useful mechanical inventions and improvements; and for teaching, by courses of philosophical lectures and experiments, the application of science to the common purposes of life." 1799 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... Henry Cavendish (October 10, 1731 - February 24, 1810) was a British scientist. ... Earl of Winchilsea is a title in the peerage of England, created in 1628. ...

It is situated in palatial premises in London's Albermarle Street, and boasts a substantial library in addition to the lecture theatre, function rooms and various research facilities. Membership is open to all on payment of an annual subscription, with no nomination procedure or academic requirements. The Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster which contains Big Ben London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and of England. ...

The institution gained its Royal Charter in 1800 and supported the public understanding of science through various lectures, many of which continue today. The most famous of these are the Christmas Lectures for Children, founded by Michael Faraday The Friday Evening Discourses (or earlier Thursday Evening discourses) are a series of lectures by eminent scientists, each limited to exactly one hour. At the end of the hour a chime informs the speaker if he is running behind. In the United Kingdom and Canada a Royal Charter is a charter granted by the Sovereign on the advice of the Privy Council, which creates or gives special status to an incorporated body. ... 1800 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... The Christmas Lectures are held annually and are the flagship of the Royal Institution. ... Michael Faraday Michael Faraday (September 22, 1791 – August 25, 1867) was a British scientist (a physicist and chemist) who contributed significantly to the fields of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. ...

In the 19th century Faraday carried out much of the research which laid the groundwork for the practical exploitation of electricity at the Royal Institute. More recently, fourteen of the Royal Institute's resident scientists have won Nobel Prizes. Ten chemical elements including sodium were discovered at the Institute, as well as the electric generator and the atomic structure of crystals. Photographs of Nobel Prize Medals. ... General Name, Symbol, Number sodium, Na, 11 Series alkali metal Group, Period, Block 1 (IA), 3, s Density, Hardness 968 kg/m3, 0. ...

As of 2005, the Royal Institute is seeking to raise £24 million to redevelop its premises. The architect is Sir Terry Farrell. Terry Farrell may refer to: The actress Terry Farrell, most famous for playing Jadzia Dax on Deep Space Nine. ...

Michael Faraday Museum

In 1973 the Royal Institution opened a museum dedicated to Michael Faraday. It is in the main building in Albemarle Street and is open to the public during normal weekday office hours. There is a reconstruction of one of Faraday's laboratories and a second room containing further historic apparatus and other items associated with Faraday. Michael Faraday Michael Faraday (September 22, 1791 – August 25, 1867) was a British scientist (a physicist and chemist) who contributed significantly to the fields of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. ...

See also

British Association for the Advancement of Science
The British Association or the British Association for the Advancement of Science or the BA is a learned society with the object of promoting science, directing general attention to scientific matters, and facilitating intercourse between scientific workers. ...

External links

• The Royal Institution (http://www.rigb.org/)
  • Page about Michael Faraday, including the Faraday Museum (http://www.rigb.org/rimain/heritage/faradaypage.jsp)