The Royal Institution of Great Britain was set up in 1799 by the leading lights 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."
It is situated in palatial premises in London'sAlbermarle Street, and boasts a substantial library in addition to the lecture theatre, function rooms and various research facilities.
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.
The RoyalInstitution, in Albemarle Street, was incorporated by royal charter of George III., in 1808, for the purpose of 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.
ROYALINSTITUTION OF GREATBRITAIN, Albemarle Street, Piccadilly, was founded for the promotion and diffusion of science and useful knowledge, in 1799, at the house of Sir Joseph Banks, the then president of the Royal Society, and incorporated by Royal Charter, in 1800.
His lectures in the plain little theatre of the RoyalInstitution in Albemarle Street, from behind the table laden with apparatus for experiments, were much frequented, perhaps the most popular of them being "The Chemical History of a Candle".
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