Graphical version

Royal Society

Medals


IDENTITY STATEMENT

Reference code(s): GB 0117 M

Held at: Royal Society

Title: Medals

Date(s): 1731-

Level of description: Collection (fonds)

Extent: 268 medals

Name of creator(s): Various

CONTEXT

Administrative/Biographical history:

The Royal Society King Charles II Medal was instituted by Council in 1997. It is awarded at the discretion of Council only to foreign Heads of State who have made an outstanding contribution to furthering scientific research in their country. The Medal is awarded only in exceptional circumstances and is normally presented on the occasion of a State Visit. The first medal was awarded in 1998 to His Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan, the second to the Prime Minister of India in 2007.

CONTENT

Scope and content/abstract:

A collection of medals and tokens, largely scientific awards, but with some miscellaneous items in base and precious metals. The core of the series consists of specimens of the Royal Society's own 15 medals and awards, from the earliest (the Copley Medal 1731) to the most recent (the Gabor Medal 1989). This includes some given to named Fellows and returned to the Society as gifts or bequests. Other items include prizes of foreign scientific academies, and pieces commemorating individual Fellows and Foreign Members.

ACCESS AND USE

Language/scripts of material: English

System of arrangement:

Conditions governing access:

Open.

Conditions governing reproduction:

No publication without written permission. Apply to Archivist in the first instance.

Physical characteristics:

Finding aids:

A handlist is available giving descriptions of each piece, including awarding body, date and physical appearance. An early printed catalogue provides some useful information: 'List of portraits and busts and catalogue of medals in the possession of the Royal Society', (London 1892).

Detailed catalogue

ARCHIVAL INFORMATION

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information:

Accruals:

Archival history:

Immediate source of acquisition:

ALLIED MATERIALS

Existence and location of originals:

Existence and location of copies:

Related material:

Publication note:

DESCRIPTION NOTES

Note:

Archivist's note: Copied from the Royal Society catalogue by Sarah Drewery.

Rules or conventions: General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal Place and Corporate Names 1997.

Date(s) of descriptions: Feb 2009.


INDEX ENTRIES
Subjects
Learned societies | Associations | Organizations
Medals | Awards | Social norms | Social behaviour
Societies, scientific | Societies | Associations | Organizations

Personal names

Corporate names
Royal Society

Places