| Reference number | NLB/6/738 |
| Alternative reference number | NLB/6 p315-319 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Michael Foster, to the Most Honourable Marquess of Salisbury |
| Date | 6 July 1892 |
| Description | The Royal Society, Royal Astronomical Society, and Solar Physics Committee of the Science and Art Department are arranging an expedition or expeditions to observe the total eclipse of the sun, 16 April 1893. This will necessitate occupying stations on French territory in Sengambia near the river Salum, and in Brazilian territory near Ceara. The President and Council ask the Marquess if he would direct enquiries to be made on the following matters; if the expedition could be furnished with the necessary authorizations and provided with local support and assistance; if the Governments in question are sending out observing expeditions and if so whether they would provide the Royal Society with useful local information on conditions and for instance an idea of useful camp equipment; whether a military escort will be necessary in Senegambia and if the French Government would be prepared to supply this.
The President and Council have addressed the Lords of Admiralty with a view to obtaining the use of a ship of war for the expedition to Senegambia, since the station there cannot be reached readily by ordinary commercial routes. The expense of the Expedition will be met by the fund voted annually by the Parliament in aid of scientific research and administered through the Royal Society. |
| Extent | 5p |
| Format | Carbon |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA8220 | Foster; Sir; Michael (1836 - 1907); physiologist | 1836 - 1907 |