In 1961, the Society's building was sold and the library, which by that time contained over five thousand volumes, dispersed.

The Society runs a programme of lectures through the year, including the Kelvin and Graham Lectures, commemorating physicist Lord Kelvin and chemist Thomas Graham respectively, and for which medals are awarded.

[1][4] Lord Kelvin was president of the Society and Thomas Graham Vice-President.

“Arts” was thought to be restrictive and it was decided that, as Minerva was goddess not only of wisdom but also of music, poetry, medicine, commerce, weaving, crafts and magic, her broad portfolio covers both Arts and Humanities.

Recordings of lectures in recent years are archived at the University of Strathclyde.