Robert Anderson collection

This material is held atScott Polar Research Institute Archives, University of Cambridge

  • Reference
    • GB 15 Robert Anderson
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1853 to 1855
  • Name of Creator
  • Physical Description
    • Correspondence (3 leaves)

Scope and Content

The collection comprises of correspondence by Anderson regarding whaling matters and the Arctic Company.

Administrative / Biographical History

Robert Anderson was born circa 1818 at Fettercairn, Kincardineshire. He was educated at the Academy of Montrose and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Entering the Royal Navy as an assistant surgeon in 1838, he served off the coast of Syria and in the East India and China station, advancing to the rank of surgeon. He joined the British Naval Franklin Search Expedition, 1848-1849 (leader Sir James Clark Ross), as surgeon in HMS Investigator, in search of Sir John Franklin's lost expedition. Returning to the Arctic the following year, Anderson served in HMS Enterprise during the British Naval Franklin Search Expedition, 1850-1855 (leader Richard Collinson), returning to Britain with an extensive collection of zoological specimens. He died in June 1856.

Arrangement

The correspondence is arranged alphabetically by recipient.

Access Information

By appointment.

Some materials deposited at the Institute are NOT owned by the Institute. In such cases the archivist will advise about any requirements imposed by the owner. These may include seeking permission to read, extended closure, or other specific conditions.

Note

Anyone wishing to consult material should ensure they note the entire MS reference and the name of the originator.

The term holograph is used when the item is wholly in the handwriting of the author. The term autograph is used when the author has signed the item.

Descriptions compiled by N. Boneham, Assistant Archivist with assistance from R. Stancombe and reference to 'Robert Anderson, Surgeon, R N' by (Sir) Roderick Impey Murchison in The Royal Geographical Society Journal volume 27 1857

Other Finding Aids

Clive Holland Manuscripts in the Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, England - a catalogue, Garland Publishing New York and London (1982) ISBN 0824093941.

Additional finding aids are available at the Institute.

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Accruals

Further accessions possible.

Related Material

The Institute holds archival collections containing material on both the Franklin search expeditions Anderson was a member of.

Subjects