| Description | Interior scene showing guests being received at the Royal Society conversazione, or soirée, at Burlington House, London, on 27 April 1870. The company includes the Society’s President, Edward Sabine, shaking hands with John Henry Lefroy; and in the foreground, Sir Francis Grant extending his hand to greet Robert Willis, who is similarly poised.
With a key to the participants printed below: left to right: ‘Dr. Miller. Walter White, Esq., Librarian. Lieut.-Gen. Sabine, Pres. R.S. Col. Lefroy. George Grote Esq. Sir Francis Grant. Warren de la Rue Esq., Sir R. Murchison. Sir E. Ryan. Rear Admiral Hall. Professor Gassiot. Prof. Willis. Maj.-Gen. J. T. Boileau F.R.S. W. R. Grove, Esq., Q.C.’
Cutting from The Graphic, 30 April 1870, p.508. Captioned below: ‘SOIREE AT THE ROYAL SOCIETY.’
The accompanying article notes that: ‘These reunions take stock of the most recent discoveries and achievements of science, and introduce them to the world. To many of our readers no very definite impression may be conveyed by the announcements which appear in the papers every now and then of soirees given by the Society, but every one interested in the progress of science very highly appreciates the privilege of attending these gatherings…’ |