History

The Physiological Society was founded in 1876 ‘for [the] mutual benefit and protection’ of the physiological community. In addition to professional collaboration, experimental physiologists recognised the need to have a say in any proposals for regulations of their work and practises. The first members met for dinners around London to discuss business, and founded the Journal of Physiology within two years.

In this section, you can find out more about us and our Members through pages on the foundation, development and milestones of the Society. You can also access interviews and journal features about prominent physiologists, including Members.

The content on these pages is curated by our History & Archives Committee. General enquiries for the attention of this Committee can be addressed to history@physoc.org.

Our Honorary Archivist is Professor Tilli Tansey OBE (Queen Mary University of London). Our archive is housed at the Wellcome Library and can be accessed here.