| Administrative History | In 1830, it was claimed by a number of leading figures, such as Charles Babbage, that science was in decline in England, typified by the practise of the Royal Society of electing aristocrats, rather than scientists, as its president. Herschel was persuaded to allow his name to be put forward as president, but narrowly lost to the Duke of Sussex (the brother of George IV) 111 to 119. |