The Royal Geographical Society and the Arctic Expedition of 1875–76
A Report

Published in 1877, this report on the progress of an Arctic expedition demonstrates the approaches adopted in the nineteenth century.

Clements Robert Markham (Author)

9781108049719, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 23 August 2012

116 pages, 2 maps
21.6 x 14 x 0.7 cm, 0.16 kg

The enthusiasm of Sir Clements R. Markham (1830–1916) for travel and exploration started early and took him around the world. Originally a naval officer, he was later responsible for organising the geographical mapping of much of India, and brought the method of brewing pure quinine to India from his extensive travels in Peru. An active and influential member of the Hakluyt Society and Royal Geographical Society, Markham was instrumental in gathering support for this 1875–6 Arctic expedition. He gives a clear account of the funding, planning and aims, the execution of the journey, and how the research should be continued. In particular, he documents the physical activities involved on the expedition, including the surveying of coastal landforms, and the tradition of the Royal Navy in the Arctic. This 1877 template for scientific exploration demonstrates the approaches adopted in the nineteenth century, and is still of interest today.

1. History of the efforts to obtain a renewal of Arctic research
2. Successful results of the Arctic expedition of 1875–6
3. Routes for future Arctic expeditions
4. The Arctic Navy list.

Subject Areas: Historical geography [HBTP]