• Is seeing believing? The art of science

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    Scientists have always used images, models and other visual aids to show people the results of their observations and experiments. We are visual creatures. We understand images much more easily and quickly than words or mathematical symbols, and scientists have made the most of this. By helping us to see science, they have changed the way we see our world.

    This exhibition focuses on the history of scientific images. Based around illustrations found in the Library and Archives of the Royal Society, it aims to show some of the iconic images of science and some lesser-known but beautiful scientific illustrations. The earlier material provides a context for more recent work, reminding us that even in an age of photographic reproductions, images and models are still produced daily by scientists and still have the power to startle and intrigue.

    Microscopic pollen grain

    Out of sight
    Microscopic objects made visible

    Crab nebula

    Out of this world
    Bringing outer space into sight

    Drawing of a head by Gray

    Inside information
    What do you look like on the inside?

    Kangaroo by Gould

    Still life
    Drawings that make life stand still

    Models by Sir Aaron Klug

    Building blocks
    Understanding how our world is constructed



    Unless otherwise indicated, the images reproduced here have been taken from the Royal Society collections. We would like to thank the following people and institutions for their kind support:

    • Professor John Barrow FRS
    • Alison Boyle, The Science Museum
    • Annie Cavanagh, Multi-Media Unit, The School of Pharmacy, University of London
    • Simon Chaplin, The Hunterian Museum, Royal College of Surgeons
    • Iroise Dumontheil, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London
    • Annette Faux, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge
    • Sir Harry Kroto FRS
    • Sir Aaron Klug FRS
    • David McCarthy, Electron Microscopy Unit, The School of Pharmacy, University of London
    • Vyki Sparkes, The Science Museum

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Collections

An overview of our libraries and archives and how to use them

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Researching the Royal Society's library and archive collections

The Royal Society's library and archives are open to the public. Joining is quick and simple. It takes just a few minutes to register and new readers are always welcome.

Before you visit the library and archives

  • New readers are encouraged to discuss your requirements in advance to ensure that you get the greatest benefit out of your visit.
  • Readers with disabilities: you are encouraged to identify needs in advance of your visit, so that every effort can be made to assist you. Although the Library is located on the first floor, it is accessible by wheelchair.
  • Please ensure you are aware of the reader rules.
  • New readers will be asked to register and produce proof of address and photographic identification, such as a passport. To save time, you can download our registration form and bring it with you.

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