You get the impression that the Royal Institution is a place where people first heard of some of what we consider to be the key discoveries that underpin the modern world. You get a sense that Victorian gentlemen in heavy coats, mocked or praised scientists, dependent largely on their ability to present their ideas. Who knows what horrors were encouraged and what genius discouraged in this way? Is that even how it works? or just some fantasy of mine? I don't know.

I do know that I was invited to watch a lecture at the Royal Institution tonight. I also know that it was very interesting and made for a good start to an intelligent evening. A good night out indeed.