Sorry for the lack of clarification.  Yes it's late 1800s...just before the new century. If an exact year is needed 1890 would work well; that way the anticipation of the new century can be an undercurrent.  Many of the society are scientists and have their work detailed in the archives of the society...they should be on the cutting edge of the scientific discoveries and new theories (or possibly even ahead of them) so feel free to exploit that in a character if you so wish.