| Reference number | NLB/2/166 |
| Alternative reference number | NLB/2 p112-119 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Michael Foster, to the Secretary, Her Majesty's Treasury |
| Date | 10 February 1888 |
| Description | In response to a letter received on 16 January 1888, Foster records a recent consultation between the 'Challenger' Committee and John Murray, and refers to the enclosure of amended estimates for the financial year 1888-1889.
Foster adds notes of explanation to the estimates, namely supplying the correct figures for expenditure and the balance on the original estimate which are contrary to Murray's as stated in his letter of 18 December 1886, and noting an additional saving of 200 pounds which Murray expects to make this year; records that Murray states his reduction in estimates is based on reducing the volume of the 'Report on deep sea deposits' to a record of facts and omitting general discussions due to be included in that volume, with the potential to publish these separately as a private enterprise; notes that Murray insists that the reports cannot be finished before the close of the financial year unless a larger quantity of type is at his disposal, with his estimate based on a greater quantity being available.
Also includes an enclosed copy letter from Murray to Professor Michael Foster of 7 February 1888, which contains Murray's response to the request for a revised sum within the limits of the original estimate, which notes the available surplus; Murray's proposals for alterations to the staff and details of their salaries; information about the work already in progress and Murray's confidence that the whole manuscript will be in his possession within four months and the fact that it is likely to run to 37 volumes, each of which will be of a larger size than originally estimated. Murray also repeats his belief that the limited type available has slowed progress, and his decision to cut his detailed memoir as the concluding volume of the report. |
| Extent | 8p |
| Format | Carbon |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA8220 | Foster; Sir; Michael (1836 - 1907); physiologist | 1836 - 1907 |