| Description | Advises the Royal Society's Council as to whether the Royal Society should co-operate with the British Association in bringing the case for the 'New Challenger Expedition' [to explore the sea] before the Government.
Discusses the importance of the proposed expedition to science, but hesitates about asking the Government to give so much money (about £300,000) considering the present state of the national finances, unless satisfied that these investigations are of immediate importance to the scientific development of maritime industries. Notes that the work of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries is hampered by ignorance of deep ocean conditions, and would benefit from research. However, they are not satisfied that the objects of the proposed expedition would be attained most economically by one single large ship of scientific personnel - instead, suggests smaller parties working independently. Also thinks the programme of the proposed expedition should be more clearly defined.
Recommends that the Royal Society confer more with the British Association in order to better understand these matters, which they are not entirely satisfied with at present.
Signed with agreements and dated by some members of the Royal Society's Committee: D. P. [Sir David Prain], F. W. G. [Professor Frederick William Gamble], J. G. K. [Professor John Graham Kerr], H. G. L. [Colonel Henry George Lyons], A. R. H. [Arthur Robert Hinks]. |