Human Understanding - Gresham College and the Royal Society

Question 1

What was established at Gresham College in 1645?

Answer 1

A group of natural philosophers established the “Invisible College”.
They all shared an interest in experimental investigation.

Question 2

What was important about the members of the “invisible college”?

Answer 2

Many of them went on to found the Royal Society.

Question 3

Why was Gresham important?

Answer 3

It was founded as a permanent organisation for research in mathematical sciences.

Question 4

Give an example of Gresham’s significance to the study of mathematical sciences.

Answer 4

Astronomy and geometry (essential disciplines for understanding the world) were not recognised until Gresham made professorships for them.

Question 5

Give two of Gresham’s achievements before 1645.

Answer 5

The 1st professor of geometry, Henry Briggs, made logarithms popular.
William Bedwell translated important works of maths into English as well as creating a new ruler for geometric calculations.

Question 6

What was important about the Royal Society’s immediate royal charter?

Answer 6

It demonstrated Charles II’s interest in science - scientific understanding was being given royal approval.

Question 7

What type of thinkers did the Royal Society consist of?

Answer 7

There was an array of chemists, botanists, astronomers, biologist and mathematicians.

Question 8

Which key empiricist was a member of the Royal Society?

Answer 8

John Locke

Question 9

Was the Royal Society purely for scientific research?

Answer 9

No, research went into improving language - followed Bacon’s methods.
It did become solely focussed on science after 1684 - they consulted Newton on his theory of gravity.

Question 10

What demonstrates the significance of the Royal Society in the academic field?

Answer 10

Scholars were more attracted to here than Oxbridge.

Those who were genuinely engaged in pushing the boundaries of science did so through the society.

Question 11

Why did non-conformists go to the Royal Society?

Answer 11

They were banned from Oxbridge.

Question 12

Why did the Royal Society become well respected?

Answer 12

Due to its Baconian aim of gathering knowledge about nature, and its aim of using the knowledge for the public good.

Question 13

What significant thing happened from 1665 onwards?

Answer 13

Discoveries were shared in the first scientific journal:
“Philosophical transactions”.
This sharing of info was a great strength.

Question 14

What did the Royal Society do publicly?

What effect did this have?

Answer 14

It displayed regular public demonstrations.
By the early 18th century, science was part of the public consciousness and was supported by the King - humans could progress without divine assistance.

Question 15

How did the Royal Society undermine the belief in magic?

Answer 15

Its focus on critical investigation.

- Webster’s book was dedicated to the society.

Question 16

However, how did the Society actually try and reinforce beliefs in magic?

Answer 16

Early members were interested in study of magical areas.

• Glanvill proposed to study witchcraft using Bacon’s method.
• Newton was interested in alchemy.

Question 17

What demonstrates that, on the whole, the Society rejected magic?

Answer 17

They dismissed cases such as Glanvill’s.

Question 18

What demonstrates the impact of Gresham College?

Answer 18

1. It influenced unis such as Oxbridge - this affected all education.
2. The professors of astronomy and geometry at Oxford were from Gresham.
3. Promoted the importance of mathematics and science.

Question 19

What demonstrates the limits to Gresham’s role?

Answer 19

1. It was not a formal and recognised institution - it didn’t receive a Royal Charter.
2. Its impact was limited to academic circles.

Question 20

What shows the impact of the Royal Society?

Answer 20

1. It was practical in its aim of critical investigation - undermined belief.
2. Published Webster’s book.
3. It was a route for non-conformists to propose ideas.
4. Helped publish the work of Newton and Locke.

Question 21

What were the limitations of the Royal Society?

Answer 21

1. Early members were interested in studying magic.
2. Glanvill made his reputation at the Society and advocated for a belief in magic.
3. The inductive method never provides infallible knowledge.