Learned society

A learned society is an association of scientifically educated people to promote an academic discipline.

Membership

Membership can either be purchased from any certain qualifications presupposing or - as is the case in some of the oldest learned societies - will be awarded as a prize. The latter is (founded in 1603), for example, by the Italian Accademia dei Lincei, the French Académie Française (founded in 1635), the German Leopoldina (founded 1652 ) and the London-based Royal Society (founded in 1660) practiced.

Tasks and activities

The responsibilities of companies ranging from narrowly defined priorities, such as certain people, languages ​​, towns, go to the promotion of science as a whole. Learned societies exist regionally, nationally and internationally. The research results are published, sometimes lectures, exhibitions and conferences. The majority of companies maintains its own research institutions and libraries, provides funds and awards prizes.

History

Based on the model, which was founded in Italy in 1583 Accademia della Crusca created academies and specialized companies such as historical societies, geographical and ethnographic societies, ancient societies, Naturforschende clubs, etc.