| RefNo | NLB/1/15 |
| AltRefNo | NLB/1 p20-23 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Michael Foster, to the Secretary of Admiralty |
| Date | 10 November 1885 |
| Description | The Council and President have concluded that if possible observations of the solar eclipse of 1886 ought to be made in the West India Islands. One of their Fellows distinguished for their labours in solar physics would be willing to undertake the voyage and observations. To reduce the occurrence of clouds they recommend an additional expedition to Benguela provided further enquiries show a fair prospect of sunshine at the appropriate time. Such an expedition might be organised from Cape Town under the direction of the Astronomer Royal at the Cape. The cost would ley on whether the Lords of Admiralty felt able by means of Her Majesty's vessels stationed in the West Indies [Caribbean] and Cape to afford assistance to the observers. If so observations might successfully be carried out at a cost of not more than about £1000. The President and Council hope that in view of the great scientific importance of continuing the series of observations of total solar eclipses, the Lords Commissioners of H M Treasury may insert in the estimates a grant for this amount. Should the expenses exceed the amount the President and Council are prepared to meet the excess by a grant from their own funds or by an application to the Government Grant Committee.
Annotated that a copy with the alterations indicated in pencil was also sent to the Treasury, 19 November 1885. |
| Extent | 4p |
| Format | Carbon |
| AccessStatus | Open |
| RelatedRecord | MC/14/93 |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA8220 | Foster; Sir; Michael (1836 - 1907); physiologist | 1836 - 1907 |