The Historical Group exists to encourage an interest in the history of chemistry and chemical industry among members of the RSC and others.
The Group is one of the RSC's many Interest Groups. Our Interest Groups are member driven groups that exist to benefit RSC members and the wider chemical science community, in line with the RSC's strategy and charter.
The Group:
The Group publishes a twice-yearly newsletter which includes short articles on the history of chemistry, book reviews and reports of its meetings, in addition to news items and information on future events. If you would like to make a submission to the newsletter, please contact the editor Dr Anna Simmons. Further information, including her contact details, can be found in the submission guidelines.
Electronic copies of Newsletters from 2010 are available to download from our publication archive. Physical copies of the Newsletter from 1981 can be requested from the RSC Library.
RSC members can join this interest group by updating their details in the “Manage my interest groups” section of the online RSC membership area.
The Group publishes a twice yearly newsletter that includes short articles on the history of chemistry, book reviews, and reports of its meetings, in addition to news items and information on future events. Physical copies of the Newsletter from 1981 to 2025 are available to view in the RSC Library.
The Group issues e-alerts which provide links to group events and recently published newsletters and other publications. Members who do not think that they are receiving the communications they expect, or who thinks that their membership of the group may have lapsed should contact the Membership Department.
Please get in touch with the Networks Team if you would like to be sent a copy of last year’s annual report for the Historical Group.
For any queries about the interest group, please contact the Committee Secretary using the contact form, accessible via the button below.
The committee members listed are responsible for designing programmes that will advance chemistry in the subject area, helping the RSC to meet its aims, engaging with and supporting our members.
We are always keen to welcome new members to the committee. When vacancies arise, we circulate a “Call for Committee”, where an email is sent to all members of the group to make them aware of new opportunities to join the committee.
It is important to have diverse representation on committees to consider the needs of our membership. All RSC members are welcome to stand for committee positions when vacancies are advertised.
Electronic copies of Newsletters from 2010 are available to download from our publication archive; older issues will be added as digital versions are available.
Watch our past lectures on the RSC YouTube channel.
Contact the Networks team with your queries.