I was truly humbled today

[Jonny69]

I was at a conference at the Royal Society today. It was my first time there and I was in such a hurry to get there I didn't really give it much thought until during one of the seminars when I suddenly realised what it meant, as a scientist, to be in such a place.

Founded in 1660 there had been already been some 50 years of cutting edge British science taking place when Isaac Newton took charge in the early 1700's.

On display outside the conference room was a handwritten draft of Newton's Pricipia Mathematica, in Latin, in Newton's own hand. I suddently realised I was in the presence of true greatness and I felt completely humbled. I don't think I've ever felt that way before, but it was a truly good feeling

[Mark]

What lead you to end up at the Royal Society?

As an armchair science type (well OK, I have a Physics A-level, just) I'd love to go there and do science stuff.

[Jonny69]

The Institute of Materials (now IOM3) was holding their first Towards Sustainable Materials conference there. Sustainable use of materials is what I'm reading my doctorate in, so it was one of those 'have to be there' conferences and all of relevant industry was present.

[Feek]

Originally Posted by Jonny69

I suddently realised I was in the presence of true greatness and I felt completely humbled. I don't think I've ever felt that way before, but it was a truly good feeling

We've met haven't we?

I went there to a conference many years ago and you're right, it's an incredible place.

[Desmo]

Did you do the thing we probably all do and start imagining all the people from times gone by who have stood where you're standing, wondering what their life was like? I always do that in old buildings, castles, etc.

[Jonny69]

There are quite a few portraits around of scientists of past, like Edward Halley and *fails to remember any of the others*. The inside of the building isn't very elaborate or old looking so it was difficult to image what it was originally like.