On This Day

The Royal Institution of Great Britain founded; dedicated to scientific research and education.

The Royal Institution of Great Britain (often the Royal Institution, abbreviated Ri or RI) is an organisation for scientific education and research, based in the City of Westminster.

The Royal Institution of Great Britain (often the Royal Institution, abbreviated Ri or RI) is an organisation for scientific education and research, based in the City of Westminster. It was founded in 1799 by the leading British scientists of the age, including Henry Cavendish and its first president, George Finch. Its foundational principles were diffusing the knowledge of, and facilitating the general introduction of useful mechanical inventions and improvements, as well as enhancing the application of science to the common purposes of life (including through teaching, courses of philosophical lectures, and experiments).

Historical Significance

The Royal Institution of Great Britain (often the Royal Institution, abbreviated Ri or RI) is an organisation for scientific education and research, based in the City of Westminster.

Events Before

  1. Russia appoints first Jewish censor to censor Hebrew books

    Russia appoints first Jewish censor to censor Hebrew books

  2. US Sedition Act prohibits "any false, scandalous, and malicious writing" about the government

    US Sedition Act prohibits "any false, scandalous, and malicious writing" about the government

  3. 11th Amendment ratified, judicial powers construed

    11th Amendment ratified, judicial powers construed

  4. Coup d'état in Batavian Republic

    The Batavian Republic (Dutch: Bataafse Republiek; French: République Batave) was the successor state to the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands.

  5. Rep Matthew Lyon (Vt) spits in face of Rep Roger Griswold (Ct) in US House of Representatives, after an argument

    Rep Matthew Lyon (Vt) spits in face of Rep Roger Griswold (Ct) in US House of Representatives, after an argument

Events After

  1. The dissolution of the Dutch East India Company comes into effect

    The East India Company (EIC) was an English, and later British, joint-stock company that was founded in 1600 and dissolved in 1874.

  2. Napoleon I's sister Carolina marries French military leader Joachim Murat, future King of Naples

    Napoleon I's sister Carolina marries French military leader Joachim Murat, future King of Naples

  3. Alessandro Volta reports his discovery of the electric battery in a letter to Joseph Banks, president of the Royal Socie

    Alessandro Volta reports his discovery of the electric battery in a letter to Joseph Banks, president of the Royal Society of London

  4. Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse gives the first cowpox vaccination in the United States to his son to prevent smallpox

    Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse gives the first cowpox vaccination in the United States to his son to prevent smallpox

  5. British politician and future Prime Minister of UK George Canning (30) weds Scottish heiress Joan Scott (24-ish) at St G

    British politician and future Prime Minister of UK George Canning (30) weds Scottish heiress Joan Scott (24-ish) at St George's Anglican Church, Hanover Square, London, until his death in 1827

More from the 1790s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on March 7, 1799?
The Royal Institution of Great Britain (often the Royal Institution, abbreviated Ri or RI) is an organisation for scientific education and research, based in the City of Westminster. It was founded in 1799 by the leading British scientists of the age, including Henry Cavendish and its first president, George Finch. Its foundational principles were diffusing the knowledge of, and facilitating the general introduction of useful mechanical inventions and improvements, as well as enhancing the application of science to the common purposes of life (including through teaching, courses of philosophical lectures, and experiments).
Why is The Royal Institution of Great Britain founded; dedicated to scientific resea... significant?
The Royal Institution of Great Britain (often the Royal Institution, abbreviated Ri or RI) is an organisation for scientific education and research, based in the City of Westminster.

Explore More