another unlikely character would arrive in London to become the world’s
first scientific surgeon.
Although the Royal Society had only existed for a few short years, the
members immediately understood that a tidal wave of inspiration and
change was sweeping through their lives. In what can only be considered a
bold move, if not ostentatious, the members decided to write a history of
their founding. In 1667, Thomas Sprat wrote The History of the Royal
Society of London for the Improving of Natural Knowledge, just five years
after it received its royal charter. On the frontispiece, an engraving of the
bust of King Charles II receiving laurels, and flanked by Francis Bacon
and the first president of the society, William Brouncker.
In the preface of the book, Sprat dedicated the book to their royal
patron, King Charles II, declaring that glory was due to the King for
freeing man from the “bondage of errors.” Later, Sprat considered what
the ancients had decided about the philosophers of old:
What Reverence all Antiquity had for the Authors of Natural
Discoveries, is evident by the Diviner sort of Honor they
conferr’d on them.... That a higher degree of Reputations is
due to Discoverers, then to Teachers of Speculative Doctrines,
nay even to Conquerors themselves. [italics added]Finally, Sprat concluded, proposing what glory and remembrance
awaited the king and not just the inventors:
Nor has the True God himself omitted to shew his value of
Vulgar Arts. In the whole History of the first Monarchs of the
World, from Adam to Noah, there is no mention of their Wars,
or their Victories: All that is recorded is this, They liv’d many
years, and taught their Posterity to keep Sheep, to till the
Ground, to plant Vineyards, dwell in Tents, to build Cities, to
play on the Harp and Organs, and to work Brass and Iron. And
if they deserve’d a Sacred Remembrance, for one Natural or
Mechanical Invention, Your Majesty will certainly obtain
Immortal Fame, for having establish’d a perpetual Succession
of Inventors. [italics added]