From student club to national society: The founding of the London Mathematical Society in 1865 (Q1908666)

This paper is devoted to the formation of the London Mathematical Society in January 16, 1865. Originally a London University College student society, it became quickly a national mathematical society. In a brief introduction the authors present the evolution of scientific societies in Great Britain in 19th century. They emphasize on the activities of the notorious Spitalfields Society (1717-1845). Other sections are devoted to the foundation of the London Mathematical Society and to its evolution in 1865 and 1866. In the paper there are included a list of the members of the London Mathematical Society at its formation, the titles of the papers presented to the society in 1865 and 1866, photographs, a bibliography. The authors present the mathematical activity of several prominent figures and they reconstruct the British mathematical atmosphere at the middle of 19th century.