The Royal Society collections began with the foundation of the Society in 1660 and cover all branches of science. The library holds over 78,000 volumes, including rare printed books, scientific periodicals and an extensive collection of scholarship on the history of science available for browsing in our Reading Room.

The archives include the works of Fellows of the Royal Society, personal papers of eminent scientists, letters and manuscripts sent to the Society or presented at meetings, and administrative records documenting the Society’s activities since 1660. Our collections also include nearly 6,000 photographs and 1,300 engravings, 265 medals, 215 paintings, 80 sculptures and 57 original scientific instruments and timepieces.