Society for the History of Natural History
The Society for the History of Natural History (SHNH) is an international society for everyone who is interested in natural history in the broadest sense. This includes botany, zoology and geology as well as natural history collections, exploration, art and bibliography. Everyone with an interest in these subjects – professional or amateur – is welcome to join. The Society's Patron is Sir David Attenborough OM CH FRS. Originally named the Society for the Bibliography of Natural History, SHNH was founded in 1936 by a small group of distinguished scientists, librarians and bibliographers whose appreciation  and love of books inspired the formation of the Society in London. The Society's first President was Charles Davies Sherborn (1861–1942), who compiled the "Index Animalium" single-handedly over 43 years (1758–1850). This 11 volume, 9,000 page work, that catalogued 444,000 names of every living and extinct animal discovered between 1758 and 1850 is considered to be the bibliographic foundation for zoological nomenclature. The Society's main publication is "Archives of Natural History" which is published for the Society by Edinburgh University Press. "Archives of Natural History" provides an avenue for the publication of papers on the history and  bibliography of natural history in its broadest sense, and in all periods and all cultures. This includes botany, geology, palaeontology and zoology, the lives of naturalists, their publications, correspondence and collections, and the institutions and societies that have promoted the study and documentation of the natural world. Bibliographical papers concerned with the study of rare books, manuscripts and illustrative material, and analytical and enumerative bibliographies are also published. From time to time, the Society also publishes other works of interest, the most recent being "Darwin in the Archives". An informal "Newsletter" is also circulated to all members where news, information  about Society events or other meetings of interest, and notes and queries from members can be found. The Society holds a regular series of meetings on all aspects of the history of natural history. These range from short evening meetings to international conferences taking place over several days with associated visits. It holds an annual "Spring Meeting" incorporating the Annual General Meeting at which Council members of the Society are elected, accounts presented, and medals and awards are announced. Its meetings are seen as an important contribution to forging links between all those working in the history of natural history , leading to lasting collaborations and friendships across national and international boundaries. The Society is a registered charity under English law. Registered charity no. 210355. Medals and prizes. The Society seeks to promote the objectives for which it was founded by making awards for excellence in the fields of the history and bibliography of natural history. Full details of these awards can be found in Schedule 2 associated with the Society's Byelaws. The following medals and prizes are awarded by the Society for the History of Natural History: