Sir Ambrose Fleming and the Physical Society of London

Abstract

THE meeting of the Physical Society held on Feb. 19 marked an event which is probably unique in the history of learned societies. If we open the Society's first minute book (which has fortunately been preserved) we find that the young Society held its first business meeting on Feb. 14, 1874, when, 29 members being present, a list of officers was drawn up. Dr. J. H. Gladstone, F.R.S., father-in-law of the present Prime Minister, was elected to the presidential chair; Profs. Grylls Adams and Carey Foster were appointed as vice-presidents; Dr. E. Atkinson and Prof. A. W. Reinold were joint secretaries, and—the holder of an office which has fallen into abeyance—Prof. Frederick Guthrie was appointed as the Society's demonstrator.