385 
ON THE TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN, MAY 28, 1900. 
Diary of the Expedition. 
A careful diary of the expedition was kept by Midshipman Lambert from tlie time 
of the arrival of the expedition on hoard the “ Theseus ” to their leaving the ship at 
Gibraltar on the return journey. 
The substance of this is as follows :— 
Wednesday, May 16. —H.M.S. “Theseus” left Gibraltar at 11 a.m. with the 
following observers on board : Sir Norman Lockyer, K.C.B., F.B.S., &c., Dr. Ralph 
Copeland, Dr. W. J. S. Lockyer, Mr. A. Fowler, Mr. T. Heath, and Mr. Franklin 
Adams. Mr. Wyllie, A.R.A., also accompanied the expedition. 
Thursday, May 17.—Arrived at Santa Pola at 11.15 a.m. Mr. Howard Payn, 
who had gone in advance by the overland route, came on board with the local 
authorities, and reported the arrangements made; a party landed with Mr. Fowler 
and Dr. Lockyer in the afternoon, and the site which had been selected by 
Mr. Payn was approved. The meridian line laid down by Mr. Payn was confirmed 
by Lieutenant Andrews, R.N., with a large azimuth compass. The foundation for 
one of the siderostats was built. 
Friday, May 18. —Landed gear. Set up brick piers and some of the instruments. 
Saturday, May 19.—Setting up instruments and discs. 
Sunday, Mo.y 20.—Setting up and adjusting instruments. 
Monday, May 21.—Adjusting instruments. Parties were told off for each 
instrument. At 6 p.m. the chief instruments were reported in approximate 
adjustment. 
Tuesday, May 22.—Commenced drills. In the forenoon drilled coronagraphs and 
prismatic cameras with eclipse clock. In the afternoon drilled coronagraphs, 
prismatic cameras, and disc |3ai‘tie«- Screens were erected for the observation of 
shadow bands. In the evening photographs of stellar spectra were taken for focussing 
the prismatic cameras, 
Wednesday, May 23. —In the forenoon the instruments were drilled individually. 
Mr. Fowler gave a short lesson to the disc party. In the afternoon the corona¬ 
graphs were drilled, and in the case of each instrument one trial plate was exposed 
to test focus. At eclipse time there was a full rehearsal of all parties. 
The meteorological house was erected, and three thermometers and a Watkin 
anepoid were set up. 
No stars visible in the evening. 
Thursday, May 24. —Meteorological observations were commenced. At 2.30, 
drilled disc party. Rehearsals at 3.15, and at eclipse time. At 4.30, drilled disc 
party. From 8.30 to 11, star trails were photographed with the four coronagraphs, 
and in each case the focus was found satisfactory. Tried spectrum photograph 
with Dr. Lockyer’s instrument, but exposure was interrujited by clouds. 
VOL. (JXOVIII.-A. 3 D 
