| Reference number | RR/16/359 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Referee's report by Francis Wall Oliver, on a paper 'Some observations on welwitschia mirabilis, hook-f' by Professor Henry Harold Welch Pearson |
| Date | December 1905 |
| Description | Sectional Committee: Botany.
Is disinclined to urge publication in the Philosophical Transactions of the results in their fragmentary form though he thinks it possible this view may be regarded as too conservative. Does however think the paper should be published without delay, though it is just possible the first section, dealing with biological observations in the field, might with advantage be brought out separately in the form of 'notes' or held till such time as it can be extended. The paper deals with an isolated genus to which much botanical interest is attached. For many years a re-investigation of this plant has been desirable and in 1904 Pearson was able to visit Damaraland and make a considerable collection of material. Notes that 'native disturbance' now prevails in this area and is likely to to continue for some time. The fist section of the paper, pages one to 30, contains interesting and suggestive though somewhat meagre notes. The main value of the paper depends upon the developmental details of the pollen and embryo sac. The latter especially marks a considerable advance in knowledge and great credit is due to the author for the skilful manner in which he has handled the stages he was able to secure. Unluckily the account breaks off at a critical moment; the development of the prothallial tubes, but before fertilization or pollination has been affected.
[Published in Philosophical Transactions A, 1940].
Endorsed on verso as received 6 December 1905. |
| Extent | 6p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| Physical description | Standardised form (type A) and report on paper |
| Digital images | View item on Science in the Making |
| Access status | Open |
| Related material | DOI: 10.1098/rstb.1906.0008 |
| Related records in the catalogue | RR/16/358 |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA1753 | Oliver; Francis Wall (1864 - 1951); palaeobotanist and ecologist | 1864 - 1951 |
| NA1225 | Pearson; Henry Harold Welch (1870 - 1916) | 1870 - 1916 |