| Reference number | NLB/2/1 |
| Alternative reference number | NLB/2 p1-10 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Michael Foster, to Edward Stanhope, Secretary of State for the Colonies |
| Date | 30 November 1887 |
| Description | Response to a letter of 27 August relating to a proposed Antarctic expedition, which has been considered by the President and Council of the Royal Society, with the assistance of Society Fellows considered to be specialists in the area. Foster lists the observations of scientific value which might be made in the Antarctic in order of importance: hydrographical, meteorological, magnetic, the temperature and currents of the ocean, the sea bottom, marine fauna and flora, and geological and biological observations on any land masses.
Foster notes that an expedition equipped to make all the observations listed would exceed the 10,000 pounds available. He instead proposes for that sum, a small pioneer expedition to investigate the northern boundary of the circumpolar ice region, to undertake a general survey by means of a range of the observations formerly listed. The results of such an expedition would, in addition to their inherent value, indicate whether a more thorough expedition would be desirable. Should the British Government accept proposals from the government of Victoria, the Society would be available to provide further assistance or advice. In coming to this decision, the value of memoranda by Admiral Sir G H Richards and Sir J D Hooker are noted, with a reference to their enclosure for reference [not included]. |
| Extent | 10p |
| Format | Carbon |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA8220 | Foster; Sir; Michael (1836 - 1907); physiologist | 1836 - 1907 |