- Askesian Society
The Askesian Society is a debating club for scientific thinkers, established in 1796 in
London . The name was taken from the Greek term "Askesis", meaning 'training' or 'application'. It was founded by William Allen, who allowed the use of his laboratory at No. 2 Plough Court for the Society's scientific experiments. The other two principal founders were Richard Phillips andWilliam Haseldine Pepys , both Quakers from theLombard Street area.The club was formed to fill the void after the departure of
Bryan Higgins and his chemistry lectures.Members had to present a paper or pay a fine, which led to
Luke Howard 's 1802 presentation "On The Modification ofCloud s", which established the still used terms "stratus," "cumulus," and "cirrus."The Society disbanded in 1807, with many of its members going on to join the
Mineralogical Society , theGeological Society , theLinnean Society and theRoyal Society of London.Society proceedings resumed again in 2007 on the 200th anniversary of the society's 1807 dissolution. Meeting in London, young scientists and philosophers express original theory, or pay a fine of seven pounds. Laboratory facilities will soon be available for society members at the original address of No.2 Plough Court.
References
*Richard Hamblyn - "The Invention of Clouds" (2001) ISBN 0-330-39194-1
Links
* [http://www.askesian.com Askesian Society Website]
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