Digital museum showcasing the collection of worldwide legends over the years! 千古不朽博物館展示多年來收藏的世界傳奇故事!
Membership Medal of the Royal
Botanic Society of London
(Full Size)
倫敦皇家植物學會會員獎章
(官方版)
Item number: M103
Year: AD 1839-1931
Material: Ivory
Size: 36.66 x 36.52 mm
Weight: 5.22 g
Provenance:
1. Noonans 2022
2. Bt S.H. Monks February 2006
This medal serves as a representation of membership in the Royal Botanic Society of London (AD 1839-1931). Crafted from ivory, the object features an intricately engraved inscription on the obverse, bearing the words “Royal Botanic Society of London” beneath a regal crown, surrounded by a wreath composed of roses, shamrocks, and thistles. On the reverse side, the upper portion displays the name of the owner, “HY. VAUGHAN,” while the central region bears “2551,” and the bottom portion indicates the individual’s status as a “Fellow.”
The Royal Botanic Society of London was incorporated in AD 1839 through a royal charter granted to prominent individuals, including the Duke of Norfolk, K.G., E.M.; the Duke of Richmond, K.G.; the Earl of Albemarle; Lieut-Col. Rushbrooke; Philip Barnes, Esq.; and James De Carle Sowerby, Esq. As outlined in the charter, the primary objectives of the establishment were “promoting botany in all its branches, and its application to Medicine, Arts, and Manufacture, and also for the formation of extensive Botanical and Ornamental Gardens within the immediate vicinity of the metropolis.”
The society comprised Fellows and members who were elected through a ballot, with its affairs overseen by a president and council. Fellows of the society were entitled to use the initials “F.R.B.S.” (Fellows of The Royal Botanic Society)after their names. Prospective members seeking admission to the society had to be nominated by three Fellows and subsequently elected through a ballot. Those elected as Fellows are required to pay an admission fee of £5 5s., along with an annual contribution of £2 2s., or a lump sum of £26 5s., which covered the admission fee and exempted them from further contributions.
The society’s gardens encompassed the entirety of the inner circle of Regent’s Park, held under a Crown lease until the year AD 1931. Encompassing nearly 20 acres, the principal features included an ornamental park-like promenade, an ornamental piece of water, winter garden, spanning approximately 20,000 square feet, hothouses, and a tank dedicated to tropical plants. The collections housed therein feature medico-botanical, economic, and various other plants and trees arranged in the open ground based on their natural affinities. Additionally, the gardens housed a library of botanical works and a museum, utilized as a lecture room, providing extensive illustrations for professors, students, and artists in support of their respective endeavors. Free admissions were granted to these individuals under specific regulations. The museum served as a venue for lectures on botanical subjects. Exhibitions of plants and fruits for prizes took place at stated periods during the spring and summer. On promenade, exhibition, and fete days, bands of music were engaged.
A notable feature was the large conservatory, well-stocked with exquisite plants. Seasonal promenades were organized, accompanied by splendid exhibitions of fruits and flowers. The society’s exhibitions excelled in picturesque site and overall impact, and at which prizes to a large amount are distributed. The gardens were supported by the subscriptions of fellows and members, and in respect of natural beauty are unequalled by any in London. The conservatory could accommodate up to 2000 visitors. Three annual exhibitions tool place in May, June, and July.
The society maintained a library and assumed responsibility for several scholarly publications, such as the “Quarterly Record of the Royal Botanic Society of London” (AD 1880-1909), “Botanical Journal” (AD 1910-1918), and “Quarterly Summary and Meteorological Readings, Royal Botanic Society of London” (AD 1919-1930). The society journals featured records of original acquisitions. Presently, the original design of the society’s botanical garden has been largely lost due to the impact of the Second World War. The rehabilitated section of the Regent’s Park Inner Circle now stands as Queen Mary’s Rose Garden.
Much of the original library is now held by the library of The Natural History Museum, including the diaries of James de Carle Sowerby. Many botanical specimens were acquired by the British Museum after the demise of the organization and can be identified by a slip label bearing the name of the society. The material includes British collections identified by the name of the society alone and other material, both British and foreign, from individually named collectors.
該學會由通過投票產生的會員和院士組成,其事務由一位會長和評議會監督。學會的院士可在其名字後使用「F.R.B.S.」(Fellows of The Royal Botanic Society)的縮寫。希望加入學會的候選人必須由三位院士提名,然後通過投票選舉。當選的院士需支付5英鎊5先令的入會費,以及每年2英鎊2先令的年度捐款,或者總額為26英鎊5先令的一次性總捐款,其中包括入會費,並使其免除進一步的捐款。