The History of the British Science Festival (formerly the BA Festival of Science)
The British Science Festival has changed considerably in its 178 year history. It was first established to provide a forum for scientists to discuss the lastest scientific research and ideas outside the capital, London. It has an illustrious history with the famous Huxley-Wilberforce debate in Oxford in 1860 and the coining of the word 'dinosaur' in 1842.
Over the years it has developed into the largest public access celebration of science in the country, which anyone can attend.
The British Science Festival is organised by the British Science Association (formerly the British Association for the Advancement of the Science (the BA)).
Further information
Excellent general histories are:
The Parliament of Science : the British Association for the Advancement of Science 1831-1981 / Roy M MacLeod; Peter Collins (1981)
Gentlemen of Science : early years of the British Association for the Advancement of Science / Jack Morrell; Arnold Thackray (1981).