Item BSDB/1/6 - Formation of SDB (BSDB), Preparation for the Inaugural Meeting, Oxford 20th June 1964

Extent: 1 folder

Formation of SDB from the Embryologist's Club, preparation for the Inaugural meeting, Oxford 20th June 1964, correspondence with prospective members from the Club Secretary (E M Deuchar), outline of the aims of the new society: Memorandum about new society including initial decision formed from a meeting of the Embryologist's Club sub-committee on 30th September 1963, proposed letter to be sent to scientists and draft rules. Typed list (annotated) of Medical Societies and contact details. Secretary's letter, 7 Nov 1963: to the Embryologist's Club members about the proposed change, call for suggestions on draft rules before the meeting on 1st January 1964. Secretary's letter to members with subscription slip. Secretary/Chairman's letter, 28th Feb 1964: to colleagues with an invitation to attend/read a paper at the inaugural meeting on 20 June 1964 with an outline programme. Handwritten list of contacts at Universities around Britain. Correspondents: John Hillaby (Biological Consultant, New Scientist), 2-15 March 1964: Nature ad for SDB, outline of aims. Dr P C Williams (Biological Council, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London), 24 Jan 1964: 'The Littlewood Committee', rules of SDB, Calendar of Meetings of Biological Societies for the year 1964 compiled by the Biological Research Council'. Bundle labelled 'Committee': letters from the Club Secretary inviting various members to stand for the Committee, 26 May 1964 with replies: Prof. F W Brambell (Bangor), Dr Sydney Smith (Cambridge), John Gurdon (Oxford), Prof. C H Waddington (Edinburgh), Dr Ronald Kille (Edinburgh), Dr A F W Hughes ( Bristol), Prof. R J Harrison (London Hospital Med. School), Dame Honor Fell (Strangeways), Dr Denis A T New (Strangeways), Dr W A Hemmings (Bangor). List of Papers to be read at the Inaugural Meeting.

Admin History: 'The Society for the Developmental Biology has been founded in order to bring together scientists from as many fields as possible who may be interested in problems connected with the development of organisms' (ad in Nature - No. 570) The formation of the BSDB 1n 1964, (initially the SBD) from the Embryologist's Club was intended to expand the standing and scope of the club to a National Society, drawing in members from across the sciences in all parts of the country and encouraging interaction with international research, engaging with 'botanists, biochemists, geneticists, physiologists and others engaged in research concerned with developmental changes at subcellular, cellular and tissue levels' (SBD prepared statement).