In the beginnings of the Royal Society there is found a closely wrought nexus between science and society.  The Society itself arose from an antecedent interest in science and the subsequent activities of its members provided an appreciable impetus to further scientific advance.  The inception of this group is found in the occasional meetings of devotees of science in 1645 and following.  Among the leading spirits were John Wilkins, John Wallis, and soon afterwards Robert Boyle and Sir William Petty, upon all of whom religious forces seem to have had a singularly strong influence (1968, p. 637).