Copy, letter from the Secretary of the Royal Society, Burlington House, to C P Lucas, Secretary of the Colonial Office Describes the current state of malaria research -- evidence in Italy and Algiers that 'the disease is the result of the presence in the blood of a minute parasite affecting the red corspuscles'; the incompleteness of knowledge on the parasite's life cycle 'and the manner and conditions of its entrance into the body' -- suggests that the observers entrusted with the main inquiry, should make a visit to Italy before travelling to Africa to study the disease -- does not recommend that a full-time entomologist be employed, 'as the view that the mosquito is an important agent in propagating the disease has at present advanced very little beyond the stage of hypothesis'; recommends that the investigation begin at Blantyre with a later visit to the West Coast -- estimates costs of a two-year investigation -- appeals for funds from 'such of the many Administrations, suffering much loss from malarial disease'. p9-15. 2 August 1898