Oxford Philosophical Club

It is documented in particular by John Aubrey: he refers to it as an "experimental philosophical club" run weekly by Wilkins, who successfully bridged the political divide of the times.

Its historical importance is that members of the Oxford Circle and the Greshamites joined together to form the Royal Society of London in the early 1660s under Charles II.

A number of the Club's leading members showed a united front in opposition to Thomas Hobbes, from 1654, as they resisted external pressures for university reform.

[7] Generally Wilkins with Goddard and a few other allies were active on the traditionalist side of the debates on academia of the time, a point emphasised later by Thomas Sprat and Walter Pope, as well as trying to keep a calm approach on divisive issues.

[12] Around 1652 Wilkins was very active on behalf of the club and Wadham as a scientific centre, bringing in technical expertise including that of Ralph Greatorex, and finding ways to finance equipment.