The correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller: Nov 21. 1865 ¶ Sir, ¶ ¶ Prof. Maskelyne having brought to the notice of the Trustees of the British Museum ¶ Maskelyne reported in a letter dated 8 November 1865 that 'the Great Melbourne Meteorite h...

Document information

Physical location:

British Museum Central Archives, Letter books, vol. 13 (30 Sept. 1865—29 May 1866), no. 4592, pp. 106—7. 65.11.21

Preferred Citation:

Anthony Panizzi to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1865-11-21. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id//letters/1860-9/1865/65-11-21-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

Nov 21. 1865

Sir,

Prof. Maskelyne having brought to the notice of the Trustees of the British Museum

Maskelyne reported in a letter dated 8 November 1865 that 'the Great Melbourne Meteorite has arrived in the Museum' and that as M 'was very strenuous in upholding the right of the Trustees to its possession in the face of a very strong and in a particular case a not very scrupulous opposition in the Colony', the 'thanks of the Trustees might be communicated to Dr. Mueller'. He went on to suggest that the thanks of the Trustees also be extended, through Her Majesty's Secretary for the Colonies, to Governors Barkly and Darling. Richard Owen added a note 'adding his testimony to the devotion by Dr. Mueller, F.R.S. … of time and influence in expediting the transfer of the great Meteorite to the British Museum' (British Museum Central Archives, Officers' reports, vol. 75 (July-Dec. 1865)).

that it was chiefly owing to your strenuous upholding of their rights that the great Melbourne Meteorite was secured for the National Collection to which it is so valuable an accession, I am directed by the Trustees to express to you their cordial thanks for your successful efforts in behalf of this institution.

I have &c.

A Panizzi

Dr. Mueller F.R.S.

Botanic Gardens, Melbourne. Victoria.