Books
The main strength of the collections is in the 17th and 18th centuries; from the 1680s to the mid 19th century the policy of the Library was to acquire every important scientific publication. In addition, the practice of Fellows donating their own works, which started in 1661, continues to the present day. The donation in 1667 of the library of Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel, accounts for many of the books which predate the foundation of the Society.
The subjects covered by the collection extend beyond the main sciences to areas such as travel, expeditions and philosophy. Current purchasing policy focuses on history of science books, which place the major original works in our collection in their historical context. We also hold a significant collection of biographies of scientists from 1660 onwards.
Journals
The journal collection dates from the beginning of scientific journal publishing in 1665. Through purchase, gift and exchange, the Society created a comprehensive collection of science journals until the late 19th century.
We also hold over 200 modern science policy journals, which cover a broad range of subject areas including education, industry and the environment, as well as over 80 current history of science journals which cover all the major scientific disciplines.
Science Policy Material
Our Science Policy collection dates mainly from the second half of the 20th century and contains over 10,000 science policy items in the form of books, journals and grey literature (consultation papers, committee reports, etc.), which can often be difficult to trace through conventional academic libraries and booksellers.
Recent acquisitions
Find out about new additions to our collection.
Search for Printed Works
All of the Library's books and journals can be located using our online Library catalogue. They are available to Library users on a reference basis.