The Voyage of H.M.S. Challenger 1873-1876. Narrative Vol. I. First Part. Introduction

A brief review of the efforts made to acquire a knowledge of the Ocean, and a general account of the opinions held prior to the year 1872 as to the physical and biological conditions of the great ocean basins, may form an appropriate Introduction to the Narrative of the Voyage of H.M.S. Challenger. The objects which the promoters had in view when they urged Her Majesty's Government to fit out and despatch an Expedition on a special scientific investigation of the depths of the sea will thus be indicated. [NOT CONTROLLED OCR]