| Reference number | NLB/12/875 |
| Alternative reference number | NLB/12 p490-492 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Michael Foster, to the Secretary, The Admiralty, S.W. |
| Date | 22 May 1896 |
| Description | Foster conveys the understanding of the President and Council of the Royal Society that Her Majesty's Ship "Research" is soon to carry out soundings off the Orkney Islands, and notes that in so doing, will be within easy reach of the "cold area", so named by the results of the "Lightning" and "Porcupine" expeditions.
It is considered a matter of great scientific interest to test, by examining this area, the view of Professor Agassiz that mid-water zones of low temperature, below 150 fathoms for instance, are devoid of organic life. Dr G H Fowler of the Zoological Laboratory, University College would be prepared to carry out such an investigation should the Admiralty be inclined to direct that "Research", with Fowler onboard, might be used during a week in July to take observations down to 600 fathoms in the aforementioned 'cold area'.
Foster remarks on their generous assistance in more expensive investigations, and expresses the hope of the President and Council that the Admiralty may on this occasion be able to render the small amount of assistance requested. |
| Extent | 3p |
| Format | Carbon |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA8220 | Foster; Sir; Michael (1836 - 1907); physiologist | 1836 - 1907 |