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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Correspondence Explorer

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Showing 6 letters from 1908–1909

3 letters from William Napier Shaw; 3 letters from Hartley Travers Ferrar

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Ferrar has received the reports 'Meteorology, Part I' and 'Physical Work' from the 'Discovery' Expedition. Ferrar notes that his meteorological observations from the Ferrar Glacier do not appear to have been published. A copy of these was sent to Captain [Robert Falcon] Scott, but may not have reached the Meteorological Office. Offers to send a copy if required. Also adds some context to his snow gauge readings, which had not been fully explained by Mr [William Henry] Dines in the report, and clarifies some aspects of his 'Nails driven into pond' experiment which demonstrated that the glacier was retreating. Ferrar also inquires about a sum of money that may be waiting for him at the Meteorological Office.

Reference number: MS/591/2/3

Shaw acknowledges that he has received Ferrar's letter from 1 December 1908 [see MS/591/2/3]. He believes that all the data received by the Meteorological Office has been published, so will investigate what happened to the observations from the Ferrar Glacier. No further published volumes relating to the expedition are planned, and Shaw sugggests Ferrar could write a separate paper on the subject. His comments about the snow gauge readings and the nails will be sent to [William Henry] Dines. A summary of payments owed to Shaw by the Royal Society's Antarctic Committee is included.

Reference number: MS/591/2/4

Shaw notes that the Meteorological Office does have a copy of Ferrar's observations [of the Ferrar Glacier]. These were not printed because there is no information concerning where the readings were made. Cannot say how these came to the Office, though they may have been transferred by [Charles William Rawson] Royds. Shaw suggests Ferrar should publish his observations as a separate paper.

Reference number: MS/591/2/5
1909

Ferrar thanks Shaw for answering his question about payments. He also says he will write a separate paper detailing his observations from the Expedition, and would like his observations returned so that he can add the positions at which they were taken.

Reference number: MS/591/2/6

Ferrar points out a 'serious misprint' on page 345 of the 'Discovery' expedition meteorology report. Some incorrect bearings seem to have been printed between 4 and 11 November, when Scott's party was stuck in a storm; 'it may be that Lieutenant Skelton's first journey of 1902, has been superimposed on his second journey of 1903'.

Reference number: MS/591/2/7

Thanking Ferrar for pointing out the errors in the 'Discovery' Expedition report. The positions noted in the text were provided by Lieutenant [George Francis Arthur] Mulock at Captain [Robert Falcon] Scott's request, and the printed data matches the original list provided. The discprepency Ferrar has pointed out is important, but did not arise from the transcribing, editing, or printing. Shaw will report it to the Royal Society to investigate further.

Reference number: MS/591/2/8