Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS black-edged; M's sister Bertha died on 7 September 1861.

Melbourne bot & zool Garden

25/3/62

My dear Professor.

I have just written to Prof Owen, informing him, that the large Cranbourne Meteor is now safely lying in Melbourne.

2

M to R. Owen, 25 March 1862 (in this edition as 62-03-25a).

It weighs rather less than 4 tons. As stated by last mail Prof M'Coy has waived his claims on half this specimen, if Mr Abels smaller one could be remitted to the Melbourne Museum through your establishment.

3

M to N. Maskelyne, 20 February 1862.

Several of the scientific gentlemen here urged strongly the division of this large & truly superb specimen. But on behalf of the British Museum I have entered a protest against such course, until we have learnt your decision in reference to the proposed exchange. Irrespective of any persuasion, that it would be a great loss to your museum, to possess only a portion of the large specimen, I cannot but feel, that probably the learned men of Europe would suggest many experiments on the undivided mass, which with its separation into parts cannot be carried out with equal advantage.

It is unneccessary to assure you, that I shall regard it a honor to carry out any further requests of the authorites of the British

Museum, whatever your decision may be in regard to the propositions made.

4

See Lucas et al. (1994).

Prof Dr Maskelyne