![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Our Daily Bill: Joining the Discovery
Apr. 7th, 2014 07:39 amAs Wilson was in the midst of wrapping up his MB, and regaining his health after being cleared of TB, the president of the Zoological Society (with whom he was acquainted via his nature illustrations) suggested he consider filling the post of zoologist on the upcoming National Antarctic Expedition, which was being put together by the leading scientific societies under the auspices of Clements Markham of the RGS. Wilson did not think he was qualified, but his uncle wrote to Markham on his nephew's behalf, and Markham replied that his artistic skill alone made him an attractive candidate: "It is very desirable that he should see the Commander of the Expedition as soon as he is well enough. Will you tell him to write to Captain R.F. Scott, R.N., ... asking him to make an appointment to see him." (Seaver, 73)
When Wilson did finally get to London for the interview, his arm was in a sling, having had surgery to deal with complications from injuring himself in a post-mortem while working at Cheltenham hospital. Scott was impressed with him and offered him the position as long as he recovered fully. The expedition's medical review was January 4, 1901, but when the day came around Wilson's arm was in a sling again – the abcess which had troubled him before had required further surgery to clear up. He explained the situation, and the doctors excused it, but said he needed to check back in July. When he did so they gave him a clean bill of health, but as he was leaving the room "his conscience smote him," and he told them about having just got over TB. They examined his lungs and found no trace of the disease, but there was scarring, so his final medical report was unfavourable. Scott, though, was set on taking him, and offered Wilson the position as long as he agreed to come at his own risk.
When Wilson did finally get to London for the interview, his arm was in a sling, having had surgery to deal with complications from injuring himself in a post-mortem while working at Cheltenham hospital. Scott was impressed with him and offered him the position as long as he recovered fully. The expedition's medical review was January 4, 1901, but when the day came around Wilson's arm was in a sling again – the abcess which had troubled him before had required further surgery to clear up. He explained the situation, and the doctors excused it, but said he needed to check back in July. When he did so they gave him a clean bill of health, but as he was leaving the room "his conscience smote him," and he told them about having just got over TB. They examined his lungs and found no trace of the disease, but there was scarring, so his final medical report was unfavourable. Scott, though, was set on taking him, and offered Wilson the position as long as he agreed to come at his own risk.
I think I am intended to go. If I had tried to get it I should have had many doubts, but it seems given to me to do. If the climate suits me I shall come back more fit for work than ever, whereas if it doesn't I think there's no fear of my coming back at all. I quite realize that it is kill or cure, and have made up my mind it shall be cure.
– Edward Wilson of the Antarctic, pg 75
