The Linnean Society of London is a learned society dedicated to the study and dissemination of information concerning natural history, evolution, and taxonomy. It possesses several important biological specimen, manuscript and literature collections, and publishes academic journals and books on plant and animal biology. The society also awards a number of prestigious medals and prizes. Fellowship of the Linnean Society is regarded as a significant professional distinction and mark of excellence in the scientific and academic community, recognising expertise and notable contributions to the natural sciences. Fellows are entitled to use the post-nominals FLS.
A product of the 18th-century enlightenment, the society is the oldest extant biological society in the world and is historically important as the venue for the first public presentation of the theory of evolution by natural selection on 1 July 1858.
The patron of the society is Anne, Princess Royal. Vice-patrons include: Emeritus Emperor Akihito of Japan, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden (both have active interests in natural history), and the eminent naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough.