The Royal Canadian Institute, or RCI, is an organization dedicated to the advancement of science.
First formed in 1849 by Sir Sandford Fleming, it was originally conceived of as an organization for engineers and surveyors, but quickly became more general in its scientific interests. Incorporated in 1851, it is today the oldest scientific society in Canada. Notable past presidents include John Charles Fields (founder of the Fields Medal), William Edmond Logan, Daniel Wilson and Henry Holmes Croft. It was formerly called The Canadian Institute.
Its first museum collection mostly consisted of archaeological and ethnographic items from Native groups in Canada. Its first curator was David Boyle. In 1896, needing more room for the museum, the collection was transferred to the Toronto Normal School (or Ontario Provincial Museum) under Boyle's care until his death in 1911. Its collection was later transferred to the Royal Ontario Museum.[1]
The Institute regularly published a journal beginning in 1852 under various titles.
Every year they host two series of lectures, fall and winter, hosted at the University of Toronto.