THE ROYAL SOCIETY AND THE STATE 



the operations of a more extensive nature, embracing a 

 survey of the British Islands, which were commenced 

 in 1791. 



Since its foundation the Society has taken an active 

 part in many important expeditions for scientific and 

 geographical exploration, and for magnetical and astro- 

 nomical observations, in some cases taking the initiative 

 by memorialising the Government for the necessary 

 assistance by grants of money, the use of ships, or other- 

 wise. Among these may be mentioned the expeditions 

 sent out for the observation of the transits of Venus in 



1761 and in 1769. 



The importance of Antarctic exploration, for which 

 the recent National Expedition has been promoted 

 jointly with the Royal Geographical Society, was fully 

 understood by the Royal Society nearly a century and a 

 half ago. In 1771 an expedition having for its principal 

 object the exploring of high southern latitudes, with the 

 view of ascertaining the existence of a great Antarctic 

 Continent, was strongly and successfully urged on the 

 Government by the Society. The expedition under 

 Captain Cook sailed the following year. On its return 

 three years later, after having circumnavigated the globe, 

 the Copley Medal was awarded to Captain Cook for the 

 means he had taken to preserve the health of his crew. 



In 1817 a letter was addressed by Sir Joseph Banks, 

 on the part of the Council, to Lord Melville, urging that 



an expedition of discovery should be sent out for determin- 



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