The University of Wales, Aberystwyth Scientific Society was established in 1892. Ten years later, it was decided to form sectional societies, and the Natural History and Chemistry divisions appeared. In 1906, a similar Physical Section was established. The first meeting was held on 6 November that year, with a lecture by Professor Schott on 'Recent Work in Spectra'. The Scientific Society remained the co-ordinating body for the various sections for many years, and was officially recognised by the SRC in 1926.
In 1923, the Physical Society was renamed the Physical Club. More emphasis was placed upon social events, and the club began organising puzzle nights and social evenings as well as lectures. In 1935 its new informality was reflected in a change of name once again to the Physics Club. During the post-war years the club flourished. A departmental trip was introduced, along with an annual dinner and a club tie.
During the 1960s, various name changes occurred, including a return to the Physical Society. Sub-groups also branched out from the Society, with the formation of an Electronic-Physics Group and an Astronomy Society. But this placed a strain on funds, and difficulties were encountered in organising such a variety of lecture programmes. Therefore, in 1975, the Society became known as the Physics and Astronomy Society. In 1981, though, the society once again reverted to its original name, the Physical Society (Cymdeithas Ffisegol).
From the guide to the University of Wales, Aberystwyth Physics Society Archive, 1922-1984, (Aberystwyth University)
