The Linnean Society during War-time

Abstract

AT the anniversary meeting of the Linnean Society held on May 24, the retiring president, Dr. J. Rams-bottom, delivered his presidential address, the substance of which appears elsewhere in this issue (p. 993). Discussing the affairs of the Society, Dr. Ramsbottom said it was decided that at the beginning of the War it was not only in the best interests of the Society but also of biological science that the Society should remain in Burlington House. No matter what happens it is hoped that the present policy shall continue. The Linnean collections, the Smithian collections and certain other irreplaceable belongings have been removed. Thus all reasonable precautions with the Linnean collections have been taken; but what if they should meet with disaster ? During the time the collections have been away abundant evidence has been shown of the difficulties which arise when the Linnean Herbarium and the insect collection cannot be consulted. The Society has the negatives of photographs taken at various times of numerous specimens. Would it not be advisable to have photographs of the whole of the specimens taken under botanical or zoological supervision ? Prints could be sold to anyone and complete sets might be kept in one or two places: or it may be that reproductions could be published. It would be advisable also to photograph all the types in the Smithian Herbarium. There would be no point in publishing these, but records that can be preserved in safety would be available. The problem of manuscripts should also be considered. Would it not be wise to have microfilms or photostats of the Linnean correspondence and all important unpublished manuscripts in the Society's possession ? These again should be distributed.