We have seen that the physicians were an offshoot from the priests and the surgeons an offshoot from the barbers. In the same way, the apothecaries were originally linked with the grocers; and it was not till 1617 that James I. gave to the Apothecaries’ Company an independent charter. The apothecaries were originally druggists pure and simple, but they took to prescribing, and this brought them into conflict with the physicians. In the end the apothecaries were victorious; and finally, in 1815, they acquired the rights of examining and licensing, which are practically the same as they now possess. THE ROYAL SOCIETY. In considering the growth of medical knowledge in London, we should do very wrong to omit mentioning the Royal Society, in the establishment of which Charles II. seems to have taken a lively interest. The first informal meetings of those who afterwards formed the nucleus of this important Society were held at Wadham College, Oxford; and after the Restoration, at Gresham College, London. Among those mentioned by Chamberlayne as the founders are Robert Boyle, Sir W. Petty, the Bishop of Salisbury, the Dean of Wells, Dr. Wallis, Dr. Goddard, Dr. Willis, Sir Christopher Wren, Lord Brouncker, John Evelyn, Thomas Henshaw, Sir George Ent, and Dr. Croone. The actual foundation of the Royal Society by charter from the King took place on April 22nd, 1663, and amongst the powers granted to the Society by their charter was that of taking and anatomising the dead bodies of persons put to death by order of the law. Their recognised place of meeting was Gresham College, but after the fire they met for a time at Arundel House. “In their discoursings,” we are told, “they lay aside all set speeches, and eloquent harangues (as fit to be banished out of all civil assemblies, as a thing found by woeful experience, especially in England, fatal to peace and good manners), and everyone endeavours to express his opinion or desire in the plainest and most concise manner.” Even at the present day there are not wanting those who sneer at the “ologies,” and it is therefore not surprising that in 1682 it should have been necessary to meet criticism by putting forward a defence of this Society. “But what advantage and benefit,” says Chamberlayne, “appears after so many meetings? It is true they have made many experiments of _Light_ (as the excellent Lord Bacon calls them), and perhaps not so many experiments of fruit and profit; yet without doubt some may hereafter find out no small use and benefit even in those Luciferous experiments which now seem only curious and delightful; but it is also as true that the Royal Society hath made a great number of experiments and inventions very profitable and advantageous to mankind. They have mightily improved the naval, civil, and military architecture. They have advanced the art, conduct, and security of navigation. They have not only put this kingdom upon planting woods, groves, orchards, vineyards, evergreens,