In 1841, 77 scientists, including doctors, academics, manufacturers and entrepreneurs, formed the Chemical Society of London as a result of increased interest in scientific matters. It’s purpose was ‘the general advancement of Chemical Science’ and one of its aims was to hold meetings for ‘the communication and discussion of discoveries and observations, an account of which shall be published by the Society.’ It was granted a Royal Charter in 1848 and it eventually became a major published in the field of chemistry.

In 1980 the Chemical Society merged with the Society for Analytical Chemistry, the Royal Institute of Chemistry and the Faraday Society to become the Royal Society of Chemistry.