Inauguration 1889

“During the summer of the year 1889 there arose an opinion among a section of scientific workers in Liverpool that it was desirable to co-operate in the formation of a new Society for the advancement and study of Physical Science. This opinion was mainly encouraged by two things, the success of the Biological Society and the establishment of a School of Physics in connection with University College.

“With this end in view Professor Oliver Lodge was approached, and he decided to convene a meeting at which the subject could be fully discussed. The meeting was held on the 6th November, 1889, in the Physics Theatre of University College, and was attended by about 100 persons representing all branches of physical work.”

The meeting began at 8.00 pm with Lodge in the chair. It was first proposed by Robert McMillan that the Society be formed and this was seconded by George Higgs. Then, Lodge was proposed for President, again by McMillan, and was elected unanimously. The distinguished astronomer Isaac Roberts, FRS, and the analytical chemist and engineer A. Norman Tate became Vice Presidents. Thomas Tarleton took on the task of Secretary and Arthur Carey that of Treasurer; and the following were elected to Council: James Howard, Lodge's demonstrator at University College; the organic chemist Charles Kohn, also of University College, and Secretary of the Liverpool Branch of the Society of Chemical Industry; E. H. Culley of the Royal Institution, Liverpool; George Holt and Isaac Thompson, wealthy personal friends of Lodge; George Higgs, watchmaker, and R. C. Johnson, estate agent, both Fellows of the Royal Astronomical Society