Charles II was a patron of science as well as a patron of art. His support of the Royal Society, which aimed to explore science through experiment, was crucial to its success. Founded in 1660, it received a royal charter from Charles in 1662 and he and his brother James, Duke of York were elected Fellows in 1665. Charles took a keen interest in scientific work, directing research and conducting experiments himself. These books, the work of Royal Society Fellows, show the range of scientific discovery being made at the time and celebrate the significance of Charles's patronage.