Indian Journal of History of Science, 52.2 (2017) 197-219 DOI: 10.16943/ijhs/2017/v52i2/49058
General Scientific Societies in British India*
B K Sen*
(Received 14 June2014)
Abstract British India gave birth to hundreds of scientific societies devoted to various sub-disciplines of science such as physics, chemistry and mathematics. However, some of them were devoted to science in general and played a significant role in science, society and scientific researches in India.Thirty three such societies are streamlined here with nature of foundation, objectives, publications and other details. The oldest of course is the Asiatic Society (1874) established in Kolkata and the latest being the Association of Scientific Workers of India (1947) inaugurated by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru.They were established for popularization of science, promotion of science education, research, development of scientific terms in regional languages, translation of foreign scientific texts in Indic languages, and so on. Many of the societies perished for varied reasons. Some of them are existing till to date. Key words: Scientific societies - British India; Scientific societies – India; Scientific societies – 18th century - India; Scientific societies – 19th century - India; Scientific societies – 20th century - India.
1. In t r o d u c t i o n Between 1784 and 1831, a number of The history of scientific societies in India societies were formed which were not exclusively can be traced back to 1760s when a society-like devoted to science but involved in various scientific organization called United Brothers was founded activities. They have also been included here. by the Madras botanists comprising mostly the The societies are recorded below in Danish missionaries. It was not considered as a chronological order. Attempts have been made society, possibly because it did not have a written to provide information as to history, membership constitution, an executive committee, etc. Asiatick (including founder members, wherever available), Society formed in 1784 through the initiative objectives, functions, facilities, publications, of Sir William Jones was a learned society in references, etc. Information about the societies is the truest sense of the term. Its objective was to given till 1947. In the case of societies surviving ‘inquire within the bounds of Asia about MAN beyond 1947 some information of post-1947 and NATURE; whatever is performed by the one, period whenever readily available has also been or produced by the other’. Thus, the members provided. of the Society researched practically in all areas of knowledge with a heavy bias on scientific subjects.
*The material for the article has been drawn from the Project Report entitled Growth of Scientific Societies in India (1784-1947). The Project was accomplished during 2009-2012 with the financial support of Indian National Commission for History of Sci- ence. **Member, Editorial Board, IJHS, Indian National Science Academy, Residence: 80 Shivalik Apartments, Alaknanda, New Delhi – 110019Email:[email protected] 198 Indian Journal of History of Science
2. So c i e t i e s i n Ch r o n o l o g i c a l Or d e r Charles Chapman, William Chambers, Charles Hamilton, Francis Gladwin, George Hilaro 1. Asiatick Society (1784) Barlow, Jonathan Duncan History – The Society was founded in Members in General -Till 1828 only the Calcutta on 15 January 1784 by Sir William Jones. Europeans were elected members of the Society. When the journal Asiatick Researches was started In 1829, the trend changed at the initiative of in 1988, the name of the Society appeared on H.H. Wilson, and a number of Indians were the title page of the journal as Society, instituted elected members, such as Dwarakanath Tagore, in Bengal, for Inquiring into the History and Sivchandra Das, Maharaja Baidyanath Roy, Antiquities, the Arts, Sciences, and Literature, Maharaja Bunwari Govind Roy, Raja Kalikrishna of Asia. It is not clear why this name of the Bahadur, Rajchunder Das, Ram Comul Sen and Society was used in the journal. Possibly the PrasannaCoomar Tagore. On December 12, 1832 name was used to express explicitly the scope Ram Comul Sen was elected ‘Native Secretary’. of the journal. In early 1820s, the name of the Later, Rajendralal Mitra became the first Indian Society was changed to Asiatic Society replacing President of the Society in 1885. In 2001, the the archaic spelling Asiatick. In 1823, the Royal Society had 1292 members and 64 research Asiatic Society of England and Ireland (RAS) was fellows on its roll.Since quite sometime past new formed and thereafter Asiatic Society [of Calcutta] members are not being enrolled. received a letter from RAS requesting Asiatic Society to be a branch of RAS. The executives of Objectives – In very broad term the the Asiatic Society did not accede to the request. objective was‘To inquire within the bounds of Asia To resolve the confusion in the name of the two about MAN and NATURE; whatever is performed societies the Asiatic Society [of Calcutta] was by the one, or produced by the other’. rechristened as Asiatic Society of Bengal. In 1936, Functions – During the long period of the Society was renamed as Royal Asiatic Society its existence the Society had conducted research of Bengal when His Majesty, the King-Emperor, covering practically every area of human interest; was graciously pleased to grant permission to the brought out periodicals and various other Asiatic Society of Bengal to use the title “Royal” publications; developed a library unparallel in before its name. After independence, there was no its variety of collection; built upon a museum of need to retain the word ‘Royal’ in the name of the unique collection; organized lectures, seminars, Society. Hence in July 1951 the name was again etc. At present it is working on a number of changed to only Asiatic Society dropping ‘Bengal’ projects. The Society played a big role in the from its name. formation of the Indian Science Congress. A Medical Section of the Society was started in 1906 in which papers on medical Facilities subjects were read and discussed in its monthly Library - Maintains a well-equipped meetings. These papers were usually published in library enriched with the priceless collections the Indian Medical Gazette and short abstracts in donated by its members. At present the collection its Proceedings. comprises around 1,17,000 books; 79,000 bound volumes of journals printed in almost all the major Membership languages of the world; 293 maps; microfiche of Founder Members - John Hyde, Thomas 48,000 works; microfilm of 387,003 pages; 182 Law, William Jones, Charles Wilkins, John paintings, 2500 pamphlets; 2150 photographs; Carnac, John David Paterson, David Anderson, 47,000 manuscripts in 27 scripts; etc. Historical Note: General Scientific Societies in British India 199
Museum – The Society started building References up the museum from the very beginning of its 1. Asiatic Society. Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia. foundation. When Indian Museum was established org; Web - www.asiaticsocietycal.com in 1814, most of the valuable collection of the museum of the Society was donated to the 2. Bicentenary Souvenir of the Asiatic Society. Indian Museum. The Society still has a museum Calcutta: Asiatic Society, 1984. p. v containing a ‘significant collection of copper plate 3. Chatterjee, Mitali. Personal communication. inscriptions, coins, sculptures, manuscripts and 4. Current Science 4(1935/36): 902 archival records’ 5. Kejriwal, O.P. The Asiatic Society of Bengal Publications and the Discovery of India’s past. Delhi: Oxford University press, 1988. 312p. i) Asiatick Researches: or, Transactions of the Society, instituted in Bengal, for Inquiring into 6. Medical Section of the Asiatic Society of the History and Antiquities, the Arts, Sciences, Bengal. Indian Medical Gazette 44(1909): and Literature, of Asia 1 (1788) – 14 (1822). 304 Contd. as Asiatic Researches. 15 (1825) – 20 7. Rahman A, Sen N, Rajagopal N R. Scientific (1839). Societies in India. New Delhi: Council of ii) Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. 1st Scientific and Industrial Research, 1964. 30. Series 1(1832) – 73(1904). Contd. as Journal 8. Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal. Science and Proceedings, Asiatic Society of Bengal. & Culture 3(1937/38) Suppl – Government 2nd Series. 1(1905) – 30 (1934). Split into: Scientific Department. (a) Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 9. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals in – Letters. 1(1935). Contd. as Journal of the India (1788- 1900). p. S12, 111-113. Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal – Letters. 10. Shukla, Shabnum. Towards promoting 2(1936)- 16(1950). Contd. asJournal of scientific researches in Colonial India with the Asiatic Society – Letters. 17(1951) – reference to INSA. Journal of the Asiatic 24(1958). Society. 50.3(2008): 99-100. (b) Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 11. World of Learning 2002. London:Europa – Science. 1(1935). Contd. as Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal – Science. Address: 1 Park Street, Kolkata – 700016. 2(1936)-16(1950). Contd. as Journal of 2. Literary Society of Bombay (1804) the Asiatic Society– Science. 17(1951) – 24(1958). History – The Society was founded by Sir James Mackintosh on 26 November 1804 in (c) Yearbook of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. Bombay and continued functioning till 1835 when 1(1935). Contd. as Yearbook of the Royal it became Bombay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Asiatic Society of Bengal. 2(1936)-16(1950). Society of Great Britain in Ireland. The Bombay Contd. as Yearbook of the Asiatic Society. Geographical Society merged with it in 1873, 17(1951) – 24(1958). and the Anthropological Society of Bombay in iii) Proceedings, Asiatic Society of Bengal. 1896. In 1954, the Society was separated from 1(1865) - 40 (1904). the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain in Ireland and renamed as the Asiatic Society of 200 Indian Journal of History of Science
Bombay. The change in the name of Bombay to at Madras and continued with this name till 1829 Mumbai necessitated another change in the name when it was merged with Madras Auxiliary of the of the Society thus making it Asiatic Society of Royal Asiatic Society and thereafter it continued Mumbai. as Madras Literary Society and Auxiliary of the Membership – In 2001 there were 2,811 Royal Asiatic Society. Later on it was known only members on its roll. as Madras Literary Society. Objectives -To investigate and encourage Objectives oriental arts, sciences and literature in relation to i) To establish and maintain a complete public Asia, and India in particular. library, Functions - Preservation, conservation, ii) To collect and record, and occasionally publish cataloguing and documentation of the holdings; information relating to the physical, political supporting research in its chosen fields, and and religious history of South India. dissemination of research results; and providing a forum for debate and discussions on topics of Publications public interest. i) Journal of Literature and Science. 1(1833/34). Contd. as Madras Journal of Literature and Facilities Science. 2(1835) – 17 No. 39((Jan./June 1851); Library – The Library has about 100,000 17No.40 – V.23 [ = New Series 1 (Oct./Dec. books of which 15,000 are rare. It has over 3,000 1856) – 6(Dec. 1861)]; Series III No.1(July ancient manuscripts in Persian, Sanskrit and 1864) –2 (Oct.1866); 1878 –94. [ No issue Prakrit, mostly on paper but some on palm leaves; published during 1866-77, and 1881-85. 1300 maps; and 11,829 coins. Volume numbering suspended with 1878 volume. During 1878 –94 only 4 vols. were Publications issued.] i) Transactions of the Literary Society of Bombay. ii) Transactions of the Literary Society of Contd. as Journal of the Bombay Branch of Madras.1827. the Royal Asiatic Society.1841-1854. Contd. as Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bombay. Facilities 1855 – 2001. Contd. as Journal of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai. 2002-. Library –The library of the Society has a collection of 150,000 books including 30,000 19th century editions. References 1. Asiatic Society of Mumbai. Wikipedia. http:// References en.wikipedia.org; 1. Asylum Press Almanac. Madras, 1869. 559 2. Indian Year Book 1916. p.502. 2. Indian Year Book 1916. Address: Asiatic Society of Mumbai. Fort, 3. Indian Year Book 1938-39. 429 Mumbai. 4. Neelameghan, A. Development of Medical 3. Madras Literary Society (1812) Societies and Medical Periodicals in India, 1780 to1920. Calcutta: IASLIC, 1963. 13- History-The Society was founded in 1812 14. Historical Note: General Scientific Societies in British India 201
5. World of Learning 2011. London: Routledge, Harichand, Rau Sahib Pranla Mathuradas, Palanji 2010. 948. Framji, Edalji Nasarwanji, Dhondev Trimbak, Mohanlal Ranchoddas, Jerhargir Barjorji, Kawasji 6. www.india9.com Edalji, Rau Saheb Mahadeb Govind Shastri, Address – College Road, Chennai – 600006. Vishnu Amritrau, Barjorji Rustamji, Ardeshir Framji, Framji Edalji, Hormazji Behramji, and 4. Society for Translating European Sciences Sundar Raghunath. Among the members, there (1832) were a barrister, a professor, an interpreter, an educational visitor, teachers, clerks, etc. History -The Society was established in Calcutta around 1832. It appears that H. H. Members in General- In 1856, there were Wilson took the initiative to publish the journal about 200 members. Vijnān Sebadhi. Two of the translators were Amal Functions - The Society opened boys’ and Chandra Ganguli and Kaliprasad Ghosh. girls’ schools. When the Society first opened their girls’ schools Jagannath Shankarshet contributed Objectives much of the funds . It used to distribute prizes to i) To translate scientific books published in girls and boys, Europe into Bengali. Publications ii) To publish a scientific periodical. i) Proceedings of the Students’ Literary and Publications Scientific Society. 1854/55 – 1855/56. i) Vijnān Sebadhi. No. 1(April 1832 ) – No. 12 References (1834?). [Issue no. 10 came out in 1834]. 1. Shunkerseth, Jaganath. Wikipedia
The idea of establishing a research able and willing to work, it is proposed to institution with library and laboratory facilities purchase a piece of land in Calcutta and to was first mooted by Dr Mahendra Lal Sircar, an build a suitable house thereon; to purchase eminent physician of Calcutta in a memorable scientific instruments and standard works on article published in 1869. In that article Dr Sircar the various branches of science; and to invite wrote: to join the Association men who are either “We want an Institution which will combine the already prosecuting their studies in especial character, the scope and objects of the Royal Institution of London and of the British Association departments, or who are just out from our for the Advancement of Science. We want an educational institutions ambitious, but unable Institution which shall be for the instruction of from want of means, to prosecute scientific the masses, where lectures on scientific subjects studies. will be systematically delivered and not only illustrative experiments performed by the lecturers, “For such and all these purposes money is but the audience should be invited and taught to the one thing needful. All well wishers of Progress perform them themselves. And we wish that the Institution be entirely under native management and of India are therefore solicited to contribute and control....” their quota in furtherance of the project which has Dr Sircar’s aforesaid article aroused been so feebly and imperfectly set forth”. considerable interest among the enlightened “Sir Richard Temple, Lieutenant – public about the Institution, and he published the Governor of Bengal very actively supported the following prospectus for the Institution in the efforts. Through six years of continuous hard work, Hindoo Patriot of 3rd January, 1870. Dr Sircar overcame the opposition, collected a few 1. The cultivation of Sciences by the Natives of lac of rupees from prominent citizens of Calcutta India being deemed particularly desirable, and also others like Maharaja of Vizianagram, it is proposed to establish in Calcutta an who alone contributed Rs 50,000/ , and finally Institution for the purpose, to be called the occasioned the birth of the Association in July Indian Association for the Cultivation of 1876”. The Association was registered in 1909. Science. This is to be the parent Institution branches will be established in different parts Membership – Through election and payment of India according as time, necessity, and other of fee. circumstances will suggest. Objectives – Included in History. 2. The object of the Association will be, as its Functions – It was devoted to the cultivation name indicates, to invite, encourage and enable the Natives of India to cultivate science of science in all its departments to achieve in all its departments. A correlative object advancement of science by original research will be to rescue from oblivion whatever is and application to the arts and comforts of connected with India, ancient or modern. life. Thus the Association will aim at editing and Facilities – It possesses scientific research publishing the ancient records, so replete with equipment and instruments of historical interest and wisdom. value. 3. The chief requisites to the formation of Library – Has a well-equipped library with rich the Association being a local habitation, scientific works and instruments, and men collection of books and periodicals. 204 Indian Journal of History of Science
Publications 8. Indian Institute of Science (1909) i. Report of the Indian Association for the History –The Institute owes its origin Cultivation of Science. 1876 – 1916. Contd. to the munificence of Jamshetjee Nusserwanji as Report and Proceedings of Science Tata who set apart a considerable portion of his Convention, Indian Association for the assets as early as 1898 for the establishment of a Cultivation of Science. 1917 –1921. Contd. research institution in science wherein the best as Proceedings of the Indian Association for intellectuals of the country should come into close the Cultivation of Science. 1922-1924. Contd. touch with western science and find new careers in in Indian Journal of Physics and Proceedings industry and the development of the resources in of the Indian Association for the Cultivation India. After the death of J N Tata, the generosity of Science. 1925–1934. Contd. as Report of of his two sons Sir Dorabji Tata and Sir Ratanji the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Tata, support of the Government of India and the Science. 1934 – Government of H. H. the Maharaja of Mysore led to the establishment of the Institute in 1909 at ii. Bulletin, Indian Association for the Cultivation Bangalore. The Institute started working from July of Science. No. 1 (1909)- 15(1918). 1911with Dr Morris Travers as its first Director iii. Proceedings of the Indian Association for and its laboratories started providing facilities the Cultivation of Science.1(1915)-9(1925). for postgraduate work in five main branches Contd. as Indian Journal of Physics and of science, namely, physics, general chemistry, Proceedings of the Indian Association for the organic chemistry, biochemistry and electrical Cultivation of Science. 1 (Aug. 1926/1927) -. technology. iv. Special Publications, Indian Association for The functioning of the Institute was not the Cultivation of Science. 1(1918) – found to be satisfactory and Dr Travers resigned in 1914. In 1921, the Government of India appointed References a Special Committee under the Chairmanship of Sir W J Pope to make enquiries and recommendations 1. Rahman A, Sen N, Rajagopal N R. Scientific regarding the working of the Institute. The Pope Societies in India. New Delhi: Council of Committee submitted a very detailed scheme Scientific and Industrial Research, 1964. 30 of expansion which could not be implemented. 2. Rajagopalan, T. S. et al. The Directory of Dr (afterwards Sir) M O Forster was appointed Scientific Research Institutions in India1969. Director in 1922 and continued till 1933 when Sir Delhi: INSDOC, 1969. 508 C V Raman took over the charge. Raman’s failure as an administrator led to the appointment of Irvine 3. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals Committee in 1936 to enquire into the affairs of the in India (1788-1900). New Delhi: Indian Institute and divestment of all powers of Raman. National Science Academy, 2002. Entry no. The Registrar was delegated all administrative 281. powers. The Irvine Committee recommended 4. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals certain changes both in the administrative and in India (1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian academic spheres and suggested ways and means National Science Academy, 2005. Entry nos. as to how the Institute can best serve the purpose 256, 474, 542. for which it stands. Till 1937, the Institute failed to fulfil the objects of the founder whose cherished Address – 2A & 2B Raja S C Mullick Road. dream was to make it a link between the industry Jadavpur. Kolkata - 700032 and pure science. Historical Note: General Scientific Societies in British India 205
Functions –The Institute awarded 9. Society for the Promotion of Scientific a limited number of research studentship, Knowledge (1912) research scholarship and research stipends. The History – The Society started publication Associateship was awarded by the Governing of the scientific periodical called Raushni in Council on the recommendation of the Senate after Urdu from the year 1912. This fact indicates five terms devoted entirely to research. that the Society came into existence in 1912 or before. In his Presidential address in the Indian Facilities Science Congress held at Lucknow in 1923, M. Library – In mid-1940s, the Library had a Visvesvaraya made a brief mention about this Society existing in Lahore. good collection of scientific books and periodicals numbering 32,000. Publications
Publications Raushni.1(1912) - 15(1919). i. Annual Report of the Council of the Indian References Institute of Science. 1(1909/10)- 1. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals ii. Journal of the Indian Institute of Science. in India (1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian 1(Feb 1914)-7(1924).Contd. as Journal of the National Science Academy, 2005. Entry no. Indian Institute of Science Pt A, Pt B, and later 369 on Pt C. 8(1925) - 41 (1959. Contd. as Journal 2. Visvesvaraya, M. Scientific institutions and of the Indian Institute of Science. 42(1960)- scientists. Presidential address, Indian Science iii. Memoirs of the Indian Institute of Science. Congress (Lucknow: 1923). In The Shaping 1(1934) - 6 (1937). Some volumes were of Indian Science 1914 -1947. Universities Press, 2003. Web.
Functions The first meeting of the Association was Publishes popular and research periodicals and held from 15 -17 January 1914 at the Asiatic books in Hindi. Society, Calcutta, with the Honorable Justice Sir Asutosh Mukherjee, the then Vice-Chancellor of Publications the Calcutta University, as President. One hundred i) Vijnāna (Hindi). 1(1913)- and five scientists from different parts of India and abroad attended and the papers numbering 35 ii) Vijnāna Parishad Anusandhān Patrikā. were divided into six sections - Botany, Chemistry, (Hindi). 1(1958) – Ethnography, Geology, Physics, and Zoology [This is a research periodical in Hindi devoted under six Sectional Presidents. From this modest to science]. beginning the Association has grown into a strong scientific organization. At present it has more Apart from the two journals, the Parishad than 12,000 members and the number of papers has published more than 60 books on different communicated for reading in the Congress each subjects in Hindi. year at times touch 1,000. Up to 2000 there used References to be 16 sections, two committees and six forums. 1. Directory of Periodicals in SAARC Countries. Now, the number of sections has been reduced New Delhi: SAARC Documentation Centre, to 14 and there is one Committee devoted to 2006? 86. Science and Society. The Sections are: Agriculture and Forestry Sciences; Animal, Veterinary 2. Kothari, H., ed. Professional and Trade and Fishery Sciences; Anthropological and Organisations in India. Calcutta: Kothari Pub, Behavioural Sciences (including Archaeology and 1963. 122. Psychology & Educational Sciences); Chemical 3. Rahman A, Sen N, Rajagopal N R. Scientific Sciences; Earth System Sciences; Engineering Societies in India. New Delhi: Council of Sciences; Environmental Sciences; Information Scientific and Industrial Research, 1964. 31. and Communication Science & Technology (including Computer Sciences); Material Sciences; 4. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals in Mathematical Sciences (including Statistics); India(1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian National Science Academy, 2005. Entry no. 429. Medical Sciences (including Physiology); New Biology (including Biochemistry, Biophysics & Address –Maharshi Dayanand Marg, Allahabad – Molecular Biology and Biotechnology); Physical 211002. Web.
Congress was held at Chandigarh during 3-9 1973, ii. Notes, List of Officers, Sectional Committees, under the Presidentship of Dr. S. Bhagavantam. and Members, Indian Science Congress On this occasion two special publications were Association. 1923-. brought out. The Association celebrated its Platinum Jubilee, in 1988, with Prof. C.N.R. Rao iii. Proceedings of the Indian Science Congress. as General President. On this occasion also a 1(1914)- special brochure, entitled Indian Science Congress iv. Progress of Science in India during the past Association - Growth & Activities was brought out Twenty-five years. 1938. highlighting the programmes of the Association over the years. • It has published a large number of books after 1947. Membership– Anybody interested in science can enroll himself as a member of the References Association. No educational qualification is 1. Indian Year Book, The 1944-45. 405. generally insisted upon at the time of enrolment. There are four classes of members – Members, 2. Indian Science Congress Association, 1934- Benefactors, Sessional Members, and Student 38. Science and Culture 3 (1937/38): Members. In 1963, the Association was having 307-309. 3500 members on its roll. Now [1912] the membership has shot up to more than 12,000. 3. Kothari, H., ed. Professional and Trade Organisations in India. Calcutta: Kothari Objectives Publications, 1963. i. To advance and promote the cause of science 4. Rahman A, Sen N, Rajagopal N R. Scientific in India Societies in India. New Delhi: Council of ii. To hold an annual congress at a suitable place Scientific and Industrial Research, 1964. 30- in India 31. iii. To publish such proceedings, journals, 5. Ray, Mihir Lal, Shatabarshe Bharatiya transactions, list of members, and other Bijnan Kangres Esosiyesan [= Indian Science publications as may be considered desirable. Congress Association in 100th year]. Jnan iv. To secure and manage funds and endowments Bichitra 37.2 (2012): 13-24. for the promotion of Science including the 6. Science & Culture 3(1937/38): 102 rights of disposing of or selling all or any portion of the properties of the Association 7. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals in India (1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian v. To do and perform any or all other acts, matters National Science Academy, 2005. Entry nos. and things as are conductive to, or incidental 447, 696. to, or necessary for, the above objects. 8. Web. www.sciencecongress.nic.in 5 April Functions – Holds annual conferences; arranges 2011. discussions; brings out journals and various other publications. 9. World of Learning 2011. London: Routledge, 2010. 949. Publications Address – 14 Biresh Guha Street, Kolkata - i. An Outline of the Field Sciences of India. 700017. [email protected] 1938. 208 Indian Journal of History of Science
12. Tamil Scientific Terms Society (1916) lecture entitled “A New Radiation” delivered by Raman at the South Indian Science Association, History – The Society was established at Bangalore, on Friday, the 16th of March 1928’ Salem in Madras in 1916 by C Rajagopalachari. it is clear that the Association was in existence in It coined new words in Tamil for terms connected 1928. The Association was located in Bangalore. to botany, chemistry, physics, astronomy and In the same letter it was mentioned that the lecture mathematics. The Society most probably was was at the 8th Annual Session of the Association. short-lived. Basing this fact it is assumed that the Association was established in 1920. Publications Functions -Used to hold meetings for the i) Journal, Tamil Scientific Terms Society. 1N1 discussion of matters of scientific, technical and (Oct 1916)-1N2 (Nov 1916). general importance.
References Reference 1. C Rajagopalachari. Wikipedia. Web
Publications Publications i) Vijnāna.1(1918) - 2(1919). i) Akademi: a Monthly Journal of Art, Science and Literature. 1(Sep 1921) – 3 (Jan/Aug 1924). References References 1. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals in India(1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian National 1. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals Science Academy, 2005. Entry no. 546. in India (1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian National Science Academy, 2005. Entry no 14. South Indian Science Association(1920) 620.
History - From the following sentence “ 16. Science Association, Maharaja’s College, …the Raman Effect was first announced to the Vizianagram, Madras (1923) scientific world fifty years ago this week at a History – From the journal of the Historical Note: General Scientific Societies in British India 209
Association, it becomes clear that the Association researches in geology, biology, poleobiology was established at Maharaja’s College, Vizianagram, [sic], poleophitology [sic], chemistry, kintology, Madras and functioning during 1923 to 1927. etc. Corrected the geological map of the world as Maybe it was established in 1923 or before. a result of an exploration of the Iranian Plateau. According to the website [2] the Association was Presented a new science called kinotology. functioning in full swing in 1925. Predicted 234 chemical elements of which two have been already approved. Publications Membership- Graduates of any recognized Journal of the Science Association. university and those who have rendered either 1(1923/24) –3N1(1927). some important public service or done research work in any field of science or art. References 1. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals in References India(1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian National 1. Indian Year Book, The1941-42. 444-5. Science Academy, 2005. Entry no. 693 2. Web. http://maharajasoldstudents.com/content/ 18. Anjumane Tarrqui Society (1928) about-maharajas-college. 19 August 2013. History - It is known that the Society started publishing its journal Science in Urdu from 17. Federation International of Scientific Research 1928. Basing this information it is conjectured Societies – (Asia, Africa, Europe and America) that the Society was formed in 1928 or sometime (1925) before. History– The Federation was established in 1925 in Iran under the presidentship of Publications the well-known scientist Dr. (h. c.) Paul V Science. 1(1928) –19??.[Text in Urdu] Serebriakov-Elboursky. The headquarters of the Federation was located at Calcutta from 1940. It References is a recognized international scientific institution 1. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals and has participated in the International Congress in India (1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian held at Cairo in 1925; Cracow in 1927; Paris in National Science Academy, 2005. Entry no. 1931; Geneva in 1933; Warsaw in 1934; Brussels 887 in 1935; Calcutta in 1937; and Amsterdam in 1938. Many national and international scientific 19. Academy of Sciences of the United Provinces institutions and eminent scholars from all over of Agra and Oudh (1930) the world collaborated and cooperated with the History – ‘…the idea of establishing Federation. It had 18 scientific research institutions a forum of scientists which would help them and University Livre whose aim is not educational in publishing their researches and bring them but research in any field of science or art. The main together to discuss and find scientific solutions purpose of the University is to examine thesis to the problems of the country, was mooted by submitted by scholars for doctorate degrees. Prof. Meghnad Saha, a great scientist, patriot and Objectives – To encourage research work then Professor of Physics at Allahabad University in the field of different sciences and arts. in 1929. His views were published in the article Functions– Conducted many remarkable entitled ‘A Plea for an Academy of Sciences’ in 210 Indian Journal of History of Science
December 1929 issue of the Allahabad University i. To provide a national forum for the publication magazine’. The Academy was founded in 1930 of research work carried out by Indian at Allahabad. ‘The Rules and Regulations of the scientists and to provide opportunities for Academy were based on those of the Royal Society exchange of views among them. of England and Asiatic Society of Bengal. These ii. To create an adequate impact of the Academy have since been revised and updated to meet the all over the country by opening Chapters of emerging challenges. Prof. Meghnad Saha was the Academy in other cities in the country, elected its first President. In a monthly meeting where reasonable number of scientists are of the Academy held on 20 April 1935, ‘it was interested. decided to increase the number of fellowships to one hundred and change the name to National Functions : Holds annual sessions, Academy of Sciences, India’. symposia, workshops; publishes proceedings, journals, memoirs, transactions and other works as Branches - The Academy has 15 Chapters may be considered desirable; awards fellowships located at Allahabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, and confers lecture awards; organizes science Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jammu, Kharagpur, extension lectures, state level science contests, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, Shillong teachers’ workshop, various meetings; hold (N.E. Chapter), Uttaranchal and Varanasi. These discussions on scientific and technological Chapters organize scientific activities in and problems; promotes scientific and technological around their respective regions, and each one research for societal welfare; undertakes such maintains a library of the publications of the scientific works of technological or public Academy. importance as it may be called upon to perform; Membership – The Academy was cooperates with other organizations in India started with 57 members and 19 Fellows. The and abroad, having similar objects; appoints membership is usually through election and representatives of the Academy to act on national payment of fees. In 1937,the Academy had and international bodies; celebrates National patrons, benefactors,honorary fellows, fellows Technology Day, National Science Day; secures and ordinary members. In the same year, the and manages funds and endowments for the Academy had on its roll 217 members including promotion of science and technology; performs 100 fellows. In 2010, it had on its roll 2,580 all other acts, matters and things that may assist members excluding 732 fellows, 48 honorary in, conduce to, or be necessary for the fulfilment of the aims and objects of the Academy. fellows, and 23 foreign fellows. Facilities – The Academy has a well- Founder Members: Prof. A.C. Banerji organized library named after Dr. Sir Padampat (General Secretary); Dr. Luxmi Narayan; Prof. Singhania in which there are two sections, one for Andre Weil; Prof. Meghnad Saha; Prof. Ch. Wali the research students and teachers, and the other Mohammad; Mr. G. Chatterjee; Prof. N.R. Dhar; for the school students. Prof. P.S. MacMohan (General Secretary); Prof. D.R. Bhattacharya; Prof. K.N. Bahl; Prof. J.H. Publications Mitter; Prof. B. Sahni; Prof. K.C. Mehta; Prof. K.K. Mathur; Mr. C. Clarke; Mr. P.B. Richards; i) Bulletin of the Academy of Sciences of the Mr. R.L. Sethi; Prof. H.D.H. Drane; and Prof. United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. 1(1931/32) C.A. King. – 3N4(1934). Contd. as Proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the United Provinces of Objectives Agra and Oudh. 4(1934/35) –5(1935). Contd. Historical Note: General Scientific Societies in British India 211
as Proceedings of the National Academy of 20. Muslim Association for the Advancement of Sciences of India.6(1936) –11(1941).Split Science (1931) into: History- It was inaugurated in Aligarh in (a) Proceedings of the National Academy of 1931 Sciences of India – Section A Physical Sciences. 12(1942) -; Members (b) Proceedings of the National Academy of Founder Members – President - Nawab Sciences of India – Section B Biological Masud Jung Bahadur, Vice-Chancellor, Muslim Sciences. 12(1942) -. University. Vice Presidents -Prof. R.F. Hunter, and Prof. H. W. Blood Ryan. Secretary –Dr. ii) National Academy of Sciences Letters. 1(1978) – M. Baber Mirza. Council Members – Dr. Syed Hussain, Dr. A. A. Hyder, Dr. Rafique Ahmed, Also publishes Annual Report, and Yearbook. Dr. S. D. Mujaffar, Dr. S. Siddiqui, Prof. Abdul Rahman Khan, Prof.. R. Samuel, and Mr. M. References Hyder Khan. 1. Current Science 4 (1935/36): 119-20 Objectives 2. Directory of Periodicals in SAARC Countries. New Delhi: SAARC Documentation Centre, i) To stimulate the spirit of original investigation 2006? 77. amongst Mussalmans 3. Journal of the Indian Medical Association ii) To provide closer cooperation between 5(1935): 84 Moslem scientists 4. Kothari, H., ed. Professionals & Trade Publications Organisations in India. Calcutta: Kothari Publications, 1963. 109-110. i) Proceedings - Muslim Association for the Advancement of Science. 1(Dec 1931)-?? 5. National Academy of Sciences, The, India. Science & Culture 3(1937/38) Suppl – [Included a long memoir by Prof. R. F. Hunter Government Scientific Departments and on the work of his collaborators in the Thiazol Learned Societies:12-13. Group during the last six or seven years.] 6. Rahman A, Sen N, Rajagopal N R. Scientific References Societies in India. New Delhi: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, 1964. 31. 1. Current Science 1932, 1(1), 82
7 Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals 21. Patna Science College Philosophical Society in India (1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian National Science Academy, 2005. Entry no. History – The Society was established in 1003. or before 1931.
8. Web. www.nasi.nic.in Publications Address: 5 Lajpatrai Road, Allahabad – 211002, i. Bulletin of the Patna Science College Uttar Pradesh. Email: allahabad.nasi@gmail. Philosophical Society. No. 1(1931) – 16 com (1946)?. 212 Indian Journal of History of Science
References It has several grades of members – Fellows; 1. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals in Honorary fellows; and Associate Members. India (1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian National Objectives Science Academy, 2005. Entry no. 1005 i) To promote the progress and uphold the 22. Current Science Association (1932) cause of science both in pure and applied branches. History – The Association was established in Bangalore in 1932. ii) To represent internationally the scientific work of India. Publications Functions – Brings out a dozen scientific i) Current Science. 1(1932)- journals; awards fellowships; organizes discussions on scientific topics; makes efforts towards Address – C V Raman Avenue, Post Box No. improvement of science education; supports issues 80001, Bangalore 560080. Email: currsci@ of concern to the scientific community. ias.ernet.in Facilities – Maintains a library. References Publications 1. Rahman A, Sen N, Rajagopal N R. Scientific Societies in India. New Delhi: Council of i. Proceedings of the Indian Academy of Sciences Scientific and Industrial Research, 1964. 32 – Sec A Physical Sciences. 1(1934/35) – 2. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals in ii. Proceedings of the Indian Academy of Sciences India(1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian National – Sec B Biological Sciences. 1(1934/35)- Science Academy, 2005. Entry no. 1043. After 1947, these two journals split into several parts and new journals were started. 23. Indian Academy of Sciences (1934) Address– C. V. Raman Avenue, POB – 8005, History – The Indian Academy of Sadashivanagar, Bangalore – 560080. Email Sciences, Bangalore was founded by Sir C. V. –[email protected] Raman, and was registered as a Society on 24 April 1934. Inaugurated on 31 July 1934, it References began with 65 founding fellows. The first general 1. Indian Academy of Sciences, The, Bangalore. meeting of Fellows, held on the same day, elected Science & Culture 3(1937/38) Suppl – Professor Raman as President, and adopted the Government Scientific Departments and constitution of the Academy. It is one of the three Learned Societies. . 12 cooperating academies with the National Institute of Sciences of India (now Indian National Science 2. Kothari, H.,ed. Professionals & Trade Academy). Organisations in India. Calcutta: Kothari Publications, 1963. 70. Membership 3. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals Founder Members – Sir C. V. Raman – in India (1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian President; Prof. Narayan Rao – Secretary, Rao National Science Academy, 2005. Entry nos. Bahadur Prof. B. Venkatesachar – Secretary. 1157-8. Historical Note: General Scientific Societies in British India 213
4. Web. www. ias.ac.in. 5 April 2011. Organisations in India. Calcutta: Kothari 5. World of Learning 2011. London: Routledge, Publications, 1963. 87 2010. 949. 3. Rahman A, Sen N, Rajagopal N R. Scientific Societies in India. New Delhi: Council of 24. Indian Science News Association (1935) Scientific and Industrial Research, 1964. 31.. History – The Indian Science News 4. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals Association was established in 1935 with the in India (1901-1947). New Delhi:. Indian initiative of Professor Meghnad Saha and Acharya National Science Academy, 2005. Entry no. P.C. Ray. 1224. Membership (1937) – Sir P. C. Ray – 5. Web. www.scienceandculture-isna.org/ President; Sir U. N. Brahmachari – Vice President; Mr. S. P. Mookerjee - Vice President; Dr. Baini Address –92 Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Prasad - Vice President; Dr. S. C. Law - Vice Kolkata – 700009. Email: scie2224@dataone. President; Prof. M. N. Saha – Hony. Secretary; in Prof. S. K. Mitra – Hony. Secretary. 25. Madras Science Club (1935) Objectives History – The Club started at Madras in i. To popularize and disseminate the knowledge 1935 with the initiative of Mr. K. S. Varadachar, and progress of natural and cultural sciences; who was actively associated with the foundation and of Current Science. ii. To publish journals and books and organize Objectives- To promote social amenities lectures both in English and Vernacular in among the scientific workers of Madras. furtherance of the object given above. References Functions – Publishes a journal and 1. Madras Science Club, The. Current Science 4 organizes seminars, symposia, memorial and (1935/36): 776 endowment lectures, etc. 26. National Institute of Sciences of India Publications (1935) i. Science and Culture: a Monthly Journal History–Towards the end of 1930, the devoted to Natural and Cultural Sciences. then Government of India wrote to various 1(1935/36) – provincial governments, scientific departments, • Apart from the journal, it publishes books, learned societies, universities and the Indian reports, etc. Science Congress Association (ISCA) seeking their opinion on the desirability of forming a References National Research Council (NRC) which would 1. Indian Science News Association. Science adhere to and cooperate with the International & Culture 3(1937/38) Suppl – Government Research Council and its affiliated Unions. At this Scientific Departments andL earned Societies. time Sir Richard Gregor, the editor of Nature had : 13 discussions with the editor of Current Science for the promotion of an Indian Academy of Sciences. 2. Kothari, H.,ed. Professionals & Trade The proposal was considered by various eminent 214 Indian Journal of History of Science scientists whose views regarding the composition to recognize the national institute as the premier and functioning of the proposed NRC were put scientific society representing all branches of up in the form of a resolution to the ISCA during science in India in October 1945. The Headquarters its Pune Session. A special meeting of ISCA was of the National Institute moved to Delhi in May held in Mumbai in January 1934 to consider 1946 and the Government commenced providing the scheme. In response to the plea made by the increased grants to meet expenses on travel, President of the ISCA, Professor M N Saha in publications, research fellowships, and for support of an Indian Academy of Sciences on the allocating grants-in-aid to other scientific societies model of the Royal Society, London, the General for bringing out their publications. A capital grant Committee of the ISCA unanimously accepted the for the Headquarters building was also sanctioned proposal for the formation of a national scientific in 1948 by the Government. The foundation stone society. The Committee formed an ‘Academy of the building was laid by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Committee’, which was requested to submit a the then Prime Minister of India, on April 19, detailed report for consideration at the next session 1948. The office of the NISI moved to its present of the ISCA. premises on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New The Committee submitted the report in Delhi in 1951. It was designated as the adhering January 1935 incorporating (i) the aims and objects organization in India to the International Council of the national scientific society to be formed; (ii) for Science (ICSU) on behalf of the Government draft constitution; (iii) names of 125 Foundation of India in January 1968.The name of the National Fellows selected by a special committee of Institute of Sciences of India was changed to the specialists; and (iv) names of 25 scientists as Indian National Science Academy (INSA) in members of the provisional Council of Academy. February 1970. The report of the Academy Committee was placed Membership by Dr LLFermor (President, 22nd Session, ISCA) before the special meeting of the Joint Committee There are two grades of members – on January 3, 1935. The recommendation of the Fellows, and Honorary Fellows. The Fellowship Academy Committee was accepted by unanimous is open to eminent scientists of India who have resolution by the ISCA and the foundation of the done valuable research work and has contributed National Institute of Sciences of India as an all to the new knowledge. The number of ordinary India body of scientists was thus laid. An inaugural fellows elected every year is limited to 15 till the meeting of the National Institute of Sciences of total number reaches 400. Honorary Fellows are India (NISI) was held on January 7, 1935 under elected from among persons domiciled outside the Chairmanship of Dr J H Hutton (President, the territorial limits of India for their eminence in 23rd Session, ISCA) in Calcutta, and the inaugural and contributions to science or the welfare thereof. address was delivered by the first President of The maximum number of honorary fellows is NISI, Dr L LFermor. The Institute thus, started restricted to 50. In 1963, The Institute had about functioning with its headquarters at the Asiatic 330 Ordinary Fellows and about 40 Honorary Society of Bengal, 1 Park Street, Calcutta, from Fellows on its roll. Now it has 676 Fellows, and that day. 104 Foreign Fellows. The issue of the Government recognizing Objectives the NISI as the representative body of the scientists i. To promote scientific knowledge in India was taken up after ten years of its foundation. including its practical application to problems After due deliberations and discussions, it decided Historical Note: General Scientific Societies in British India 215
of national welfare. Bibliography of Science in India. 1935/36 ii. To carry out coordination among scientific –1937/38 academies, societies, institutions, government iv) Proceedings of the National Institute of scientific departments and services. Sciences of India. 1(Apr 1935) – 20(1954). iii. To act as a body of scientists of eminence Split into for the promotion and safeguarding of the (a) Proceedings of the National Institute of interests of scientists in India and to present Sciences of India – Part A Physical Sciences. internationally the scientific work done in the 21(1955) –35(1969). Contd. as Proceedings of country. the Indian National Science Academy – Part iv. To act through properly constituted national A Physical Sciences. 36(1970) -. committees, in which other learned academies (b) Proceedings of the National Institute of and societies may be associated, for undertaking Sciences of India – Part B Biological Sciences. scientific work of national and international 21(1955) –35(1969). Contd. as Proceedings of importance which the Academy may be called the Indian National Science Academy – Part upon to perform by the public and by the B Biological Sciences. 36(1970) - . Government. v) Report, National Institute of Sciences of India. v. To publish such proceedings, journals, 1935 – 1958/59. Contd. as Yearbook of the memoirs and other publications as may be National Institute of Sciences of India. 1960 found desirable. – 1970. Contd. as Yearbook of the Indian vi. To promote and maintain liaison between National Science Academy. 1971 – science and humanities. vi) Transactions of the National Institute vii. To secure and manage funds and endowments of Sciences of India.1(Mar 1935/38) – for the promotion of science. 4N1(1958). viii. To perform all other acts that may assist in, or This apart the Academy has published be necessary for the fulfillment of the above after 1947, Progress of Science in India in several mentioned objectives of the Academy. volumes, Biographical Memoirs of the Fellows, and so on. The full list of publications is available Functions – Organizes meetings, lectures, in the catalogue brought out by the Academy. etc; awards fellowships; conducts research on history of science; publishes journals, books, Address – Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, etc. New Delhi – 110002. Email: [email protected]. in Facilities – Maintains an excellent library. References 1. fermor L L. The National Institute of Sciences Publications of India. Current Science 3(1934/35): 507. i) Indian Journal of History of Science.1 (1966) – 2. Web. http://www.insa.as.in/ ii) Indian Journal of Pure and Applied 3. Kothari, H., ed. Professionals & Trade Mathematics. 1(1970)- Organisations in India. Calcutta: Kothari Publications, 1963. 110-111. iii) Indian Science Abstracts: being an Annotated 216 Indian Journal of History of Science
4. National Institute of Sciences. Journal of the monthly devoted to science]. Ed.Makhanlal Indian Medical Association 5(1935): 80. Chakraborty. 5. National Institute of Sciences of India. Current References Science 12(1943):32 1. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals 6. National Institute of Sciences of India. Science in India(1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian & Culture 3 (1937/38) Suppl – Government National Science Academy, 2005. Entry no. Scientific Departments andL earned Societies. 1366. 11-12 7. Rahman A, Sen N, Rajagopal N R. Scientific 29. Board of Scientific and Industrial Research Societies in India. New Delhi: Council of (1940) Scientific and Industrial Research, 1964. 31. History - With the onset of the World 8. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals War I, the Government of India realized the in India (1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian need for building up in a systematic manner the National Science Academy, 2005. Entry nos. base of scientific research in India, especially 1194, 1220, 1225. applied research. In 1918, the Indian Industrial Commission also urged the Government to 27. Scientific Society, Harcourt Butler Technological Institute (1935) promote applied research. After a long gap of 16 years the Government set up Central Industrial History – The Society was probably Intelligence and Research Bureau. In 1940 it was formed at Cawnpore in 1935. superseded by the Board of Scientific and Industrial Publications Research. In 1942, the name of the Board changed to Council of Scientific and Industrial Research i) Journal of Science and Technology, India. (CSIR). and it was registered under the Societies 1(Mar 1935) – 9(1949). Contd. as Journal, Act XXI of 1860. At a later date the Research Scientific Society, Harcourt Butler Planning Committee under the Chairmanship of Technological Institute and Indian Institute Sir R K Shanmukham Chetty was formed. The of Sugar Technology → National Sugar Committee made a comprehensive survey of the Institute.1(1952) - research facilities in the country and recommended References establishment of five national laboratories devoted to chemistry, physics, fuel, glass and ceramics, and 1. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals metallurgy. Thus came up the National Chemical in India (1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian Laboratory, the National Physical Laboratory, National Science Academy, 2005. Entry no. 1198. the National Metallurgical Laboratory, the Fuel Research Station, and the Central Glass and 28. Sridhapur Vijnān Mandir (1938) Ceramics Research Institute. The foundation for the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute History - It was founded at Sirajganj (now in Bangladesh) in 1938 or earlier. at Calcutta was laid first in December 1945 and that for the National Chemical Laboratory at Publications Poona was laid last, on 6 April 1947. All the five establishments were completed by 1950. i). Vijnān Dīp.1938–19?? [A Bengali Historical Note: General Scientific Societies in British India 217
Objectives ii) Report on Technical Work, Board of Scientific i) Promotion, guidance and coordination of and Industrial Research in India.1940/41 – scientific and industrial research in India 1941/42. including the institution and the financing of • The institutions functioning under specific researches; the Council bring out a large number of ii) Establishment or development and assistance journals, monographs from time to time, to special institutions or departments of reference books, and so on. existing institutions for specific studies of problems affecting particular industries and References trades; 1. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. iii) Establishment and award of research Wikipedia. Web.
References National Science Academy, 2005. Entry no. 1. Rajagopalan, T. S. et al. The Directory of 1687. Scientific Research Institutions in India1969. 33. Association of Scientific Workers of India Delhi: INSDOC, 1969. 518 (1947) 2. Rahman A, Sen N, Rajagopal N R. Scientific History – Prof P. M. S. Blackett, FRS, Societies in India. New Delhi: Council of while addressing the scientific workers of the Scientific and Industrial Research, 1964. Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore stressed 24-25 the importance and the need for an Association of Scientific Workers in India for the purpose 32. Science Club (1946) of safeguarding and promoting their interests. History– The Club was founded in He expressed the hope that the members in the Calcutta and registered in 1946/47. In the 7th audience would join the association in large Annual General Meeting Dr P C Ghosh, Chief numbers and thereby help the cause both of Minister, West Bengal delivered a lecture in humanity and science. Following this scientific Bengali. workers of the country founded the Association during the session of Indian Science Congress, Objectives 1947. The Association was inaugurated on 7th January 1947 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, General i. To promote the cause of science and encourage President of the Indian Science Congress. the spirit of active pursuit of knowledge and original scientific research. Membership ii. To establish close contacts among persons Pt Jawaharlal Nehru – President following different branches of pure and applied science with a view to developing a Dr B C Guha –General Secretary wider outlook and stimulating an intellectual Dr Bashir Ahmed – General Secretary. and possibly a practical integration of available Members – Prof. M N Saha, Dr N scientific knowledge in society. Mukerji, Dr B Banerji, Prof Afzal Hossain, Dr Membership– Through election and P K Kichlu, Mr C R Mitra, Prof H J Bhabha, payment of fee. Dr K Venkataraman, Prof K S Krishnan, Dr S Gupta, Prof J C Ghosh, Dr. M Quteshi, Mr M Publications Sreenivasaya. i. Journal of the Science Club. 1 (Aug 1947) – Objectives References i. To work for the most effective use of science and the scientific method for the welfare of 1. Rahman A, Sen N, Rajagopal N R. Scientific society as a whole; Societies in India. New Delhi: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, 1964. 32 ii. To improve and safeguard the economic interests and social status of all scientific 2. Science Club. Science and Culture 13(1947/48): workers of India; 199 iii. To participate in all fields of activities in 3. Sen B K. Growth of Scientific Periodicals furtherance of and relevant to the above in India (1901-1947). New Delhi: Indian objects. Historical Note: General Scientific Societies in British India 219
Publications in Ireland 2 i. Vijnan Karmee (1949) -. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (1942) 29 Current Science Association (1932) 22 References Federation International of Scientific Research Societies – 1. Association of Scientific Workers of India. (Asia, Africa, Europe and America)(1925) 17 Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research Indian Academy of Sciences, The (1934) 23 6.12: 477-9. Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (1876) 7 2. Current Science 17 (1948): 283-84. Indian Institute of Science (1909) 8 Indian Science Congress Association (1914) 11 3. Professional and Trade Organisations in India. Ed. by H. Kothari. Calcutta: Kothari Indian Science News Association (1935) 24 Publications, 1963. 60-61. Karnātaka Vijnāna Pracārini Samiti (1918) 13 Literary Society of Bombay (1804) 2 Co n c l u si o n Madras Auxiliary of the Royal Asiatic Society (1829) 3 An attempt has been made in this essay Madras Literary Society and Auxiliary of the Royal Asiatic Society 3 to record the general scientific societies formed in India during the British period. In the process Madras Literary Society (1812) 3 a large number of sources available in various Madras Science Club (1935) 25 libraries of the country have been scanned to trace Maharashtra Association for the Cultivation of Science the existence of scientific societies. In spite of my (1946) 31 best efforts I can not say that the list is completely Muslim Association for the Advancement of Science 20 exhaustive which is simply impossible. It is also National Academy of Sciences, India 19 possible that information about some societies was National Institute of Sciences of India (1935) 26 never recorded in documentary sources. If anyone Patna Science College Philosophical Society (1931)21 is aware of a general scientific society not recorded Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal (1936) 1 here mayinform me to complete my database. Science Association, Lucknow University (1944)30
Ap p e n d i x Science Association, Maharaja’s College, Vizianagram, Madras (1923)16 Alphabetical list of the Societies Science Club (1946) 32 Academy of Aryan Science (1921) 15 Scientific Society (1864) 6 Academy of Sciences of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh (1930) 19 Scientific Society, Harcourt Butler Technological Institute (1935) 27 Anjumane Tarrqui Society (1928) 18 Society for Translating European Sciences (1832) 4 Asiatic Society1 Society for the Promotion of Scientific Knowledge (1912) 9 Asiatic Society of Bengal 1 Society, instituted in Bengal, for Inquiring into the History and Asiatic Society of Bombay 2 Antiquities, the Arts, Sciences, and Literature, of Asia. 1 Asiatic Society of Mumbai 2 South Indian Science Association (1920) 14 Asiatick Society (1784) 1 Sridhapur Vijnān Mandir (1938) 28 Association of Scientific Workers of India (1947) 33 Students Literary and Scientific Society 5 Board of Scientific and Industrial Research (1940) 29 Tamil Scientific Terms Society (1916) 12 Bombay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain VijnānaParishad (1913) 10