Raphael Meldola: the Essex Field Club papers at Imperial College
Geological Correspondence
Entomology wasn't the only branch of natural history to receive the attention of Meldola and a
number of the letters in the collection give detail of his geological work. In 1885 Meldola and
William White wrote the Field Club's first special memoir "Report on the East Anglian Earthquake
of 1884"43. Correspondents write to give thanks for receipt of the report including one letter from
Hallam Tennyson who writes on behalf of both himself and his father, the poet Lord Tennyson.
Others write giving high praise to its quality. J.P. Reilly of the Royal College of Science Dublin is
particularly delighted. " I propose [?] writing to you about it and sending you a map showing how
your data support my views as to the influence of lines of fractures. 1 could not have wished for a
more interesting or more important exemplification. With thanks, believe me."44. While Professor
of Mechanical Engineering and Physics at Imperial University Tokyo, J.A. Ewing, who had made
a study of Japanese earthquakes, calls the report a "very interesting and complete account", thanks
him for "the kind references you have made to my own Japanese work throughout the volume" and
ends his letter optimistically suggesting that "I hope that your Report will have the effect of
stimulating the instrumental study of seismology"45.
Essex Field Club Correspondence
Finally mention should be given to the letters from members of the field club. The names of
members are scattered throughout the collection and are naturally diverse in their subject matter.
E.N. Buxton46 writes a spirited letter on matters concerning the thinning of Epping Forest and the
media coverage it received. Edward A. Fitcb47, the Essex antiquary, corresponds about a council
grant, possibly for the museum; Henry Laver48 writes on the excavation at the Red Hills at
Goldhanger; Lord Rayleigh49 discusses the Royal Society and chemistry and offers the Club "some
light refreshment in the form of 'tea'";50 T.V. Holmes'51 letters make mention of earthquakes and
moths and G.S. Boulger comments on a relationship between vegetable and animal physiology52.
These are just a few examples at random, but it is hoped that they stimulate an interest amongst
those concerned with the history of the Field Club and one of its founders.
Access to the Material
The papers are held at Imperial College London, Library Archives and Special Collections. Access
is by appointment only. Please contact the Archivist, Hilary McEwan, Archives & Special Collections,
Imperial College London, 456 Sherfield Building, London, SW7 2AZ. Email
h.mcewan@imperial.ac.uk or telephone 020 7589 5111 ext 58850 or visit the website http://
www.imperial.ac.uk/librarv/about us/archives .htm
The Essex Field Club retains a number of letters and additional papers are also held at Oxford
University: Museum of Natural History.
References
1 FINDLAY, A and HOBSON MILLS, W. (ed) (1947) British chemists. The Chemical Society, London,
p. 104
2 Awarded annually by the Royal Society of Chemistry to a British chemist under 30. It was a gift ofThe
Maccabaeans, a society of Jewish professional men. Meldola having been their President 1911 - 1915
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Essex Naturalist (New Series) 21 (2004)