Biographical Memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society
The Biographical Memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society serves as a prestigious academic journal dedicated to the history of science. Published by the Royal Society in the United Kingdom, this publication provides a permanent record of the lives and achievements of the society's most distinguished members through detailed obituaries and biographical accounts.
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A History of Scientific Record-Keeping
The tradition of recording the lives of Fellows began long before the journal's formal inception, with obituaries originally appearing in the Proceedings of the Royal Society. In 1932, the Royal Society established a dedicated publication titled Obituary Notices of Fellows of the Royal Society. By 1955, the journal adopted its current name, and the volume numbering was restarted at volume 1.
Today, the journal is published biannually and operates as an open access publication, meaning its contents are freely available to the global public, researchers, and historians.
Editorial Process and Content
Each year, the journal collates approximately 40 to 50 memoirs of deceased Fellows. The current Editor-in-Chief is Malcolm Longair, who took over the role from Trevor Stuart in 2016.
Authorship and Depth
To ensure accuracy and intimacy, these memoirs are typically written by a scientist from the subsequent generation. Often, the author is a former student, a close colleague, or a fellow member of the Royal Society. These accounts are more than simple obituaries; they are significant historical records that usually include a comprehensive bibliography of the subject's published works.
Notable Figures
The journal has documented some of the most influential minds in human history. Notable biographies featured in the memoirs include those of Albert Einstein, Alan Turing, Bertrand Russell, Claude Shannon, Clement Attlee, Ernst Mayr, and Erwin Schrödinger.
Key Facts
- Established: 1932 (as Obituary Notices of Fellows of the Royal Society).
- Current Title: Adopted in 1955.
- Publisher: Royal Society (United Kingdom).
- Frequency: Biannually.
- Access: Fully open access.
- Annual Volume: Approximately 40 to 50 memoirs per year.
- Current Editor: Malcolm Longair (since 2016).
Journal Specifications
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ISSN (Print) | 0080-4606 |
| ISSN (Web) | 1748-8494 |
| LCCN | 56026605 |
| JSTOR ID | 00804606 |
| ISO 4 Abbreviation | Biogr. Mem. Fellows R. Soc. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the journal?
The journal publishes detailed obituaries and biographical memoirs of the Fellows of the Royal Society, serving as a vital historical record for the history of science.
Who typically writes the memoirs?
The memoirs are often written by a close colleague, a former student, or a scientist of the next generation, many of whom are also Fellows of the Royal Society.
Is the journal available to the general public?
Yes, the journal is open access, meaning all its contents are freely available to read online.
How many biographies are published annually?
The Editor-in-Chief typically collates between 40 and 50 memoirs of deceased Fellows each year.
When did the journal change its name?
The publication was founded in 1932 as Obituary Notices of Fellows of the Royal Society and changed to its current title in 1955.