Religion and the Royal Society in Early Restoration England

There was a pervasive tendency to look to the past for guidance to restore peace and stability.1 Remarkably, an innovative way of thinking emerged in the first six months of the new king's reign. [...]we look with favour upon all forms of learning, but with particular grace we encourage philosophical studies, especially those which by actual experiments attempt either to shape out a new philosophy or to perfect the old.4 His reference to philosophy recalled conflicts over the celestial bodies that had become increasingly partisan and bitter during many years. The procedure described was clearly applicable to a broad range of subjects.1" Also in the third part of the book, Sprat showed that experimenters were focused on Christian beliefs and practices. The book closed with an assertion that additional new ways of thinking were needed and were being developed.13 Taken together, the growth of membership in the Society and the extensive projects adopted suggest a rising tide of interest.