A further note on the origins of the Zoological Society of London

Since the publication in 1970 of my article on first prospectus of the Zoological Society of London1 new information on the subject has come to light which should, perhaps, be recorded. This information largely derives from letters of the Duke and Duchess of Somerset to Raffles in the Raffles Family Collection of manuscripts recently placed on permanent loan in the India Office Library, London (MSS. Eur. D. 742).2 These letters demonstrate the justness of the conclusions arrived at in my article with regard to the issue of the first prospectus of the Zoological Society and to the preeminent part played by Raffles in the foundation of the Society. The letters are also interesting in showing that the organisation of the Museum Royal d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris was studied as a possible model for the new institution in London. The relevant sections of the letters can stand without textual comment as I have included sufficient annotation.