408 
SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION [September 
Monday Nelson gave us an interesting little resume of 
biological questions, tracing the evolutionary development 
of forms from the simplest single-cell animals. 
To-night Wright tackled i The Constitution of Matter 9 
with the latest ideas from the Cavendish Laboratory : it 
was a tough subject, yet one carries away ideas of the 
trend of the work of the great physicists, of the ends they 
achieve and the means they employ. Wright is inclined 
to explain matter as velocity; Simpson claims to be with 
J. J. Thomson in stressing the fact that gravity is not 
explained. 
These lectures have been a real amusement and one 
would be sorry enough that they should end, were it not 
for so good a reason. 
I am determined to make some better show of our 
photographic work on the Southern trip than has yet 
been accomplished — with Ponting as a teacher it should 
be easy. He is prepared to take any pains to ensure 
good results, not only with his own work but with that 
of others — showing indeed what a very good chap he is. 
To-day I have been trying a colour screen — it is an 
extraordinary addition to one's powers. 
To-morrow Bowers, Simpson, Petty Officer Evans, and 
I are off to the west. I want to have another look at 
the Ferrar Glacier, to measure the stakes put out by Wright 
last year, to bring my sledging impressions up to date 
(one loses details of technique very easily), and finally to 
see what we can do with our cameras. I haven't decided 
how long we shall stay away or precisely where we shall 
go ; such vague arrangements have an attractive side. 
