The first secretary of the Royal Society, Henry Oldenburg, formalized the practice of peer review by establishing a protocol of sending submitted scientific manuscripts to external experts for quality assessment. This innovation anchored the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, which remains the longest-running scientific journal globally, permanently altering how scholars exchange and validate natural philosophy findings.
Diplomatic Beginnings and Migration
Born in Bremen in 1619, Oldenburg initially trained in theology, earning a degree from the local Gymnasyum illustre in 1639. His early career involved extensive travel across Europe. After spending time in the Dutch Republic cities of Leiden and Utrecht, he transitioned into diplomatic service. In July 1653, he arrived in London as an envoy for the Bremen senate to negotiate with Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell regarding the First Anglo-Dutch War.
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Upon settling in England, Oldenburg integrated into influential intellectual circles. He developed a lasting relationship with Robert Boyle and tutored Richard Jones, traveling with him through France from 1657 to 1660. His connections also included John Milton, who praised his command of the English language, and the economist William Petty. During this period, he expanded his correspondence network to include figures such as Baruch Spinoza, maintaining these links through an expansive web of letter-writing.
Royal Society and Editorial Leadership
Oldenburg became an original fellow of the Royal Society following its 1660 foundation, serving as its first secretary alongside John Wilkins. His primary contribution involved managing foreign correspondence and founding the Philosophical Transactions. His systematic approach to gathering and distributing scientific intelligence allowed him to maintain contact with figures such as Christiaan Huygens, Gottfried Leibniz, and Marcello Malpighi across Europe. His efforts were periodically interrupted by political suspicion, including a brief imprisonment in the Tower of London in 1667 during the Second Anglo-Dutch War.
Final Years
On 13 August 1668, Oldenburg married his second wife, Dora Katherina Dury, the daughter of Dorothy and John Dury. He continued his work as a diplomat and intellectual broker until his death. After falling ill on 3 September 1677, he died two days later at his residence in Pall Mall, London. He was interred at St Mary the Virgin, Bexley, on 7 September 1677.
Fast facts
- Born: 1619, Bremen
- Died: 1677, Charlton
- Roles: Secretary of the Royal Society, diplomat, philosopher
- Spouse: Dora Katherina Dury
- Key Publication: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society
- Languages: German, Latin, Greek, English, Dutch, French
Questions readers ask
What was Oldenburg's contribution to scientific publishing?
He invented the peer review process by requiring that manuscripts be assessed by subject-matter experts before publication.
Why was he imprisoned in 1667?
He was detained in the Tower of London under suspicion of being a spy during the Second Anglo-Dutch War.
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