From the beginning of its history the Royal Society has devoted much attention to the publication of communications by its Fellows and others. Within three years from the granting of the first Charter, Henry Oldenburg, the first Secretary, began publishing Philosophical Transactions in March 1665 and it has continued ever since. From 1887 onward, beginning with volume 178, the Transactions have been divided into two series: Series A, (Mathematics and Physical sciences) and Series B, (Biology). Transactions are published monthly and now include papers presented at Discussion Meetings as well as specific themes and reviews.

The Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship of many of the world's most distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, engineering and medicine, and is the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence. The Society’s fundamental purpose, reflected in its founding Charters of the 1660s, is to recognise, promote, and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity. The Society has played a part in some of the most fundamental, significant, and life-changing discoveries in scientific history and Royal Society scientists continue to make outstanding contributions to science in many research areas.