British Society for the History of Science. Report of Council for the year 1996

ObjectsThe primary objective for which the Society is established is to promote and further the study of the history and philosophy of science. Secondary objectives include the provision of facilities, the arrangement of meetings, the promotion of research and the publishing of papers; full details of all the objectives may be found in the Society's Memorandum of Association.PoliciesThe main policy of the Society is to provide the infrastructure to gain its objectives and in approved cases to provide financial assistance by which its members and others may benefit in some aspect of their activities while helping to achieve the objects of a learned Society.To achieve this overall policy, the Society maintains a world-wide membership, issues several publications, chief of which is the British Journal for the History of Science, holds regular meetings and conferences on the history of science, technology and medicine, and contributes where appropriate to debate at governmental and other levels on scientific and educational issues.In terms of direct financial benefits, membership for students, the retired and the unemployed is subsidized, and reduced charges and bursaries are available for students attending conferences. Conferences are frequently assisted in some degree. Travel, especially to overseas meetings, is often met for individual members and others out of Society funds. There is a biennial essay competition open to members and non-members, the winner of which is awarded the Singer Prize. Several publications are issued free to both members and non-members, while members enjoy reduced charges for some publications.There have been no material changes to the policy of the Society since the last report. With a view to celebrating the fiftieth Anniversary of the founding of the Society, its Council has developed plans to establish a biennial Book Prize to be named after Herbert Dingle, a founder member of the Society. Council has also considered the creation of an Anniversary Fellowship for work on the history of the history of science in Britain. The Anniversary was celebrated at a meeting in Leeds in September 1997.OrganizationThe controlling body of the Society is its Council. Several sub-committees re responsible to Council for various activities (see below) and several members of Council have an Officer post designated for a specific responsibility. Council is advised by a number of Advisory Officers in specialist roles and by the Executive Secretary. The Executive Secretary is also the Company Secretary and he is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Society, including keeping the accounts. The Executive ecretary is under contractual terms, reviewed annually by Council. No member of Council or the Society receives any remuneration for services to the Society but expenses are paid.