| Reference number | NLB/12/276 |
| Alternative reference number | NLB/12 p136-139 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Michael Foster, to the Secretary of State for War, War Office, S.W. |
| Date | 21 January 1896 |
| Description | Foster, as directed by the President and Council of the Royal Society, requests that a leave of absence during June, July, August and September 1896 be granted to Captain E H Hills, currently stationed at Chatham, to allow him to participate in an expedition to Japan for the purpose of observing the forthcoming total solar eclipse in that region on 9 August.
The expedition is under the direction of a Joint Committee of the Royal Society and the Royal Astronomical Society, who particularly hope that Hills will be able to take part due to his 'tried value' as an eclipse observer, proven during the 1893 eclipse expedition. Hills' value will be further increased if he can arrive at Yokohama early enough to reach the observing stations in time to make the necessary preparations. Foster notes that the great scientific importance of these observations 'emboldens' the Society to request such a long leave of absence, and led them to approach the Admiralty regard the request for the assistance of one of their ships.
The expenses will again be defrayed out the the Grant made by the British Government in aid of Scientific Research. |
| Extent | 4p |
| Format | Carbon |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA8220 | Foster; Sir; Michael (1836 - 1907); physiologist | 1836 - 1907 |