| RefNo | MS/591/4/5 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from Captain R [Robert Falcon] Scott, H M S Bulwark, Channel Fleet, to Sir Archibald Geikie, Secretary Royal Society |
| Creator | Scott; Robert Falcon (1868-1912); Royal Navy officer; Antarctic explorer |
| Recipient | Geikie; Sir; Archibald (1835-1924) |
| Date | 10 October 1908 |
| Description | Officially notifying the Royal Society of his issues with the recently published meteorological results of the National Antarctic Expedition, stating that there are 'remarks and deductions to which I and other members of the Expedition take strong exception'. Scott points out that the proofs of the publication were not seen by the Expedition members prior to publication, and they were not consulted on the issues raised.
Scott outlines detailed criticisms of the work of Dr [William Napier] Shaw. Shaw's preface implies that the Expedition ignored instructions on the use of instruments and Scott refutes his points at length, particulary regarding the use of mercury thermometers in very low temperatures. He agrees with Shaw on a single point, regarding improper use of the Sunshine recorder, but points out that this was an instrument made specially for the Expedition and delivered only days before they set out. Some opportunities for recordings were therefore missed, but this could have been avoided if a simple set of instructions had been provided along with the instrument. He also refutes Shaw's allegation that there was confusion over recording of wind direction; all recordings about the 'Discovery' were taken based on magnetic north, while those onshore were always true north.
Some remarks by [William Henry] Dines in the volume are also criticised, where on several occassions he has made incorrect assertions in the text. These could have been easily corrected by consulting with members of the Expedition. Several complaints raised by R H Curtis regarding data from the anemometers are also refuted, as well as his interpretation of barometric pressure readings. Scott asks that the matter be officially investigated, erroneous statements be publicly withdrawn, and that an explanation be provided for why members of the Expedition were not shown results before they were made public. |
| Extent | 23p |
| Format | Typescript |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA6174 | Geikie; Sir; Archibald (1835 - 1924); geologist and historian | 1835 - 1924 |
| NA7142 | Shaw; Sir; William Napier (1854 - 1945); meteorologist | 1854 - 1945 |
| NA6243 | Dines; William Henry (1855 - 1927); meteorologist | 1855 - 1927 |