Archive

The RSE’s archive exists to preserve and protect the historic records of the Society.

On this page: Subject guide Consulting the collection Contact us

The RSE’s archive contains the collections of:

  • The Records of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (1783-present)
  • Charles Piazzi Smyth Archive (1832-1908)
  • David Hume Bequest (1727-1837)
  • Edward Sang Archive (1819-1908)
  • James Ferguson Archive (1740-1818)
  • Charles Waterston Archive (1954-1994)

Subject guide

Subject guides provide a list of collections and individual records that may provide a useful starting point for research.

Consulting our collections

If you would like to consult our collections, please ensure you are making an appointment with the repository holding the material you require. When booking, please specify the items you would like to consult.

Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh

  • Royal Society of Edinburgh Archive, 1948-present
  • Charles Waterston Archive (1954-1994)

To make an appointment, please email archives@theRSE.org.uk or call 0131 240 5000. Please note that appointments must be scheduled in advance.

National Library of Scotland Special Collections Reading Room, George VI Bridge, Edinburgh

  • Royal Society of Edinburgh Archive, 1783-1954
  • David Hume Bequest (1727-1837)
  • Edward Sang Archive (1819-1908)
  • James Ferguson Archive (1740-1818)

To book an appointment, follow instructions on the National Library of Scotland’s website: https://www.nls.uk/visit/george-iv-bridge/

Royal Observatory Edinburgh, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh

  • Charles Piazzi Smyth Archive (1832-1908)

To make an appointment, follow instructions on the Royal Observatory Edinburgh’s website: https://www.roe.ac.uk/roe/library/about.html

Contact us

For any enquiries about the RSE’s archive, records, and collections, please contact Katie McDonald on:

+44 (0)131 240 5000

archive@theRSE.org.uk

 

 

Other relevant pages