Batavian Society for Experimental Philosophy
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The Batavian Society for Experimental Philosophy (Dutch: Bataafsch Genootschap voor Proefondervindelijke Wijsbegeerte) is a Dutch learned society residing in Rotterdam.
The society was founded on June 3, 1769 after Steven Hoogendijk declared in his last will that after his death a foundation for the furtherance of experimental philosophy (a term now called 'Science') would inherit his fortune. His fortune would be more than sufficient to secure the foundation's financial future for a long time.
The Society suffered during the French occupation of the Netherlands in the late 18th and early 19th century. In 1917, a major part of the Society's capital was lost during the Russian Revolution as the Russian bonds owned by the Society became worthless. The Batavian Society suffered an even heavier blow during the bombardment of Rotterdam in May 1940, when essentially all archival material and historic artifacts were lost.
Currently, the Society, with around 400 members, is a forum for scientists living in the vicinity of Rotterdam. Six scientific meetings per annum, mostly dedicated to medicine and engineering sciences, are held plus a one-day convention, where the Steven Hoogendijk Premiums are awarded to young scientists.
