| Description | The First Charter did not give the Fellows all the privileges which they desired, and representations having been made, a second Charter supplying the desired privileges and containing all the clauses of incorporation contained in the First Charter, passed the Great Seal on 22 April 1663, and was read before the Society on 13 May. It is this Second Charter which ensures the Society its privileges and by which the Society has since been, and continues to be, governed. It is in this Charter that the King declares himself to be the Founder and Patron of the Society. The title of the Society is to be 'The Royal Society of London for promoting Natural Knowledge' instead of 'The Royal Society', as it is given in the First Charter. The election of the Council, the President, the Treasurer and the two Secretaries is placed in the hands of the President, Council and Fellows, as is also the reception and admission of all new members; but otherwise the making of laws, statutes and ordinances, and the transaction of all matters relating to management of the Society and its affairs is entrusted to the President and Council alone. Hence the Statutes, by which the Society is governed, are made and changed by the President and Council. |