“Nullius in Verba”: The Royal Society and the Cultivation of Knowledge

On This Day
This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast:

Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode.

November 28, 1660

On this day, a seed was planted that would grow into one of the most influential scientific bodies in history.

A group of forward-thinking individuals gathered for what would become the inaugural meeting of The Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge, more commonly known as The Royal Society.

Picture, if you will, a garden of minds, each cultivating ideas as varied and vibrant as the plants in a well-tended botanical collection.

These pioneers of scientific thought came together with a shared purpose: to nurture knowledge through observation and experimentation, rather than relying solely on accepted wisdom.

The Society's Latin motto, "Nullius in verba," which translates to "Take nobody's word for it," became the fertile soil in which their endeavors would take root. This pithy phrase encapsulated their commitment to empirical evidence, encouraging members to verify information through experiments rather than accepting claims based on authority alone.

In many ways, the founding of The Royal Society marked the beginning of a new season in the world of science. Just as a gardener might challenge traditional methods by testing new techniques, these early members questioned established beliefs and sought to understand the natural world through direct observation and experimentation.

Their approach was not unlike that of a meticulous horticulturist.

They observed, they questioned, they tested, and they recorded their findings with precision. In doing so, they cultivated a new way of understanding the world, one that would bear fruit for centuries to come.

The legacy of that first meeting continues to flourish today. The Royal Society has grown into a veritable forest of knowledge, its branches reaching into every field of scientific inquiry. From botany to physics, from medicine to mathematics, the Society has nurtured some of the greatest minds in history, much as a skilled gardener might tend to prize specimens.

As we remember this auspicious day, let us take a moment to appreciate the spirit of inquiry that still thrives in the scientific community. Whether we're cultivating plants in our gardens or ideas in our laboratories, the principle remains the same: observe closely, question freely, and always be prepared to get your hands dirty in the pursuit of truth.

In our own gardens, we might honor the legacy of The Royal Society by approaching our horticultural challenges with a similar spirit of inquiry.

Why does this plant thrive while another withers?

How might we improve our soil?

What new techniques could we try?

By asking these questions and seeking answers through observation and experimentation, we participate in a tradition of curiosity and discovery that has its roots in that long-ago meeting on November 28, 1660.

Burlington House, where the society was based between 1873 and 1967
Burlington House, where the society was based between 1873 and 1967
Coat of arms of the Royal Society of London
Coat of arms of the Royal Society of London

Leave a Comment