| Reference number | NLB/12/368 |
| Alternative reference number | NLB/12 p203-205 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Michael Foster, to Sir William Flower, Fellow of the Royal Society, British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, S.W. |
| Date | 20 February 1896 |
| Description | Foster explains that the President and Council of the Royal Society have that day had under consideration the means of disposing of the botanical specimens collected by Mr George Francis Scott-Elliot, funded by an allotment from the Government Grant.
He outlines the agreement that Scott-Elliot should separate two sets completely, and ensure they are as of nearly equal value as possible. One was to go to the British Museum (Natural History Department), and the other to the Royal Herbarium, Kew, by the selection of the President and Council of the Royal Society. The remaining specimens were to be Elliot's private property. Upon ascertaining that there were several unique specimens, it was agreed that these could all go into one set, in spite of the previous provision regarding equality of value.
Foster reports that Elliot, having separated out one set with all the unique specimens, now declines to continue the work of separation and has resigned all claim to any of the specimens. Consequently, the Royal Society have to decide on the destinations of the complete set, and of the remainder of the specimens; they have granted the complete set to Kew, and the rest to the British Museum. As Foster understands all the specimens to be at the British Museum, he asks that they give directions for the complete set to be sent to Royal Society, or directly to Kew. He asks to be informed which option Flower has chosen, and notes that the cost of carriage will be paid from the Government Grant funds. He also asks for formal acceptance of the rest of Elliot's collection by the British Musuem. |
| Extent | 3p |
| Format | Carbon |
| Physical description | Typescript |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA8220 | Foster; Sir; Michael (1836 - 1907); physiologist | 1836 - 1907 |