September 2002
News

The Invisible College

Dr Robert Lomas, who lectures inTechnological Management at the Bradford University School of Management, has launched his new book on the history of science.

Much has been written in recent years about how Freemasons conspire behind closed doors in order to affect the world we all have to live in; how they recognise fellow members with strange handshakes and can be spotted at parties by their rolled up trouser legs.

Dr Lomas, who studies Freemasonry and writes in his spare-time, has drawn on this material to write the new book, entitled 'The Invisible College', which suggests that Freemasonry was responsible for the development of modern science.

The institution which founded modern experimental science and laid down the ground rules, which, for example, made it possible for Sir Isaac Newton to develop and publish his theory of gravitation, is called The Royal Society. It was founded in 1660. Dr Lomas traces how Sir Robert Moray, a Scot born in 1609, and the first Freemason known to be initiated on English soil, was instrumental in the formation of the Society, Moray did it primarily by using his Masonic contacts to help the new king.

Dr Lomas traces the life story of Sir Robert Moray throughout the battles of the English civil war, a fascinating story of a remarkable Scot. And who, within five months of the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, brought together six leading thinkers from the dispossessed Roundheads, including Oliver Cromwell's brother in law, and six newly restored courtiers, and persuaded them to work together in order to solve the problems of Charles II's navy. Dr Lomas claims Moray was able to achieve the impossible - bringing the two opposing sides together - because of one common bond they all shared - Freemasonry. And so the beginnings of the Royal Society were forged.

Dr Lomas said: "The Society has grown to be one of the most revered and respected scientific institutions in the world today, and one can only join if invited. One of its most eminent members is the brilliant scientist, Stephen Hawking and it is interesting to note that Stephen Hawking's first serious recognition as an important contributor to scientific thought came from the Royal Society."

One of the more unusual sources of reference used in Dr Lomas's research is William Preston's famous book, 'Illustrations of Masonry', which was first published in London in 1772. This book is difficult for Masons to obtain, and virtually impossible for non-Masons. For readers who might be interested in accessing this material, Dr. Lomas made the electronic transcription, he created of it for his own use, available as a web-book. The document can be found at www.robertlomas.com or via www.bradford.ac.uk/acad/mancen/lomas and details within 'The Invisible College' provide readers with instructions on how to access this material.

The Invisible College is published by Headline, priced £18.99.

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