| Reference number | NLB/11/623 |
| Alternative reference number | NLB/11 p306c |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Michael Foster, to Lord George Hamilton, Her Majesty's Secretary of State for India |
| Date | 15 August 1895 |
| Description | Foster is directed on behalf of the Royal Society to address his Lordship with a view of obtaining the assistance of Her Majesty's Government in a matter of international interest; an adequate catalogue or index of scientific publications. Discusses the Royal Society's 'Catalogue of Scientific Papers' and notes that an adequate, prompt and complete catalogue arranged not only according to authors names but also according to subject can not be carried out by a single body and can only be successfully achieved by international co-operation.
The Society has entered into correspondence with nearly all the important scientific institutions in the world as well as with a number of eminent scientific persons with a view of obtaining expressions of opinion as to the desirability of attempting such a catalogue. The replies have been favourable and the first step suggested by several persons is the summoning of a conference at which the desirability and feasibility of the plan can be discussed and London is suggested as a location. Foster has been directed to address the Marquess of Salisbury, Her Majesty's Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs [Joseph Chamberlain] with the request that they will direct communications to made to the respective Governments of the several nations known to be interested in science, inviting them to send representatives to such a conference. Asks that Hamilton will take such measures as may seem desirable that the Empire of India may also be represented. Suggests the first half of July 1896 as a suitable date.
The papers and works entered in such a catalogue should concern applied and pure science only. |
| Extent | 1p |
| Format | Carbon |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA8220 | Foster; Sir; Michael (1836 - 1907); physiologist | 1836 - 1907 |