The club was established in 1872 by nine undergraduates and BAs for 'the cultivation of Natural Science by means of friendly intercourse and mutual instruction'. The Club met weekly during term to hear papers on scientific subjects. It also put on occasional 'conversazione'; that is, displays and talks to invited guests. Membership was by election. The average number of ordinary members at any one time was about12 and never exceeded 22. Ordinary membership ceased on going out of residence. Honorary membership was offered to those who subsequently achieved scientific distinction and to eminent scientists resident in Cambridge. For example, in the early years of its existence, Nobel prize winners such as Ernest Rutherford and W.L. Bragg were members. Women were admitted to ordinary membership, limited to no more than three at any time, from 1942 onwards. The Club appears to have ceased to function ca 1990.