The Geographical Journal (Journal of the Royal Geographical Society): Volume X, No. 6 [‎125v] (103/186)

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OBIT JARV.
Death of A. von Mojsisovics. —The announcement in our last number of the
death of E. von Mojsisovics is due to an error on the part of the correspondent by
whom the notice was sent to us. That geologist is, we are glad to say, still living
and engaged in active work as Vice-Director of the Imperial Geological College in
Vienna. The deceased is his brother, the geologist August M'jsisovics von
Mojsvar, who held the posts of Military Director of the Crown Prince Establishment,
Custodian of the Styrian State Museum, and Professor of Zoology at the Technical
High School at Gratz.
New Geographical Society at Southampton— By the exertions of Mr.
T. G. Hooper and others, a new geographical society has been set on foot at
Southampton, the growing commercial importance of which port renders such a
society particularly desirable as a means of disseminating reliable information
regarding the foreign countries with which this country has or might have trade
relations. The new society will work in close harmony with the Chamber of
Commerce, which, its promoters hope, will be able to supply it with much useful
information, which otherwise might be lost to the general public. While, however,
the commercial aspects of geography will receive particular attention, it is hoped
that the society will do good work also in the furtherance of geographical educa
tion, a subject in which Mr. Rooper is well qualified to guide the way. It will
especially aim at assisting those secondary schools, where any of the scholars are
preparing for the Commercial Certificate of the Associated Chambers of Commerce.
The formation of a library, especially devoted to the supply of information re
specting the British empire, and a collection of lantern slides and maps for loan,
will also form items in its programme. The formal inauguration took place on
November 16, on which date Sir Clements Markham went to Southampton to
deliver an opening address.
OBITUARY.
Sir Rutherford Alcock, K.C.B., D.C.L.
By the death of Sir Rutherford Alcock, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years,
yet another name has disappeared from the now scanty list of former Presidents of
the Royal Geographical Society, which thus loses one who, during the long period
of service on its Council, contributed in no small degree, by his valued advice and
co-operation, to the furtherance of the objects for which the Society is constituted.
It was only quite recently that Sir Rutherford had been compelled to live in retire
ment, and had been unable actively to participate in its affairs; but while his
health permitted, there were few members whose interest in its proceedings was
more constantly maintained.
Bom in 1809, Rutherford Alcock was trained for the medical profession at King’s
College, London, and gained his first experience of service abroad as surgeon in the
British forces employed in Spain and Portugal during the stormy times of the
Carlist and Miguelite wars, receiving medals and other decorations from the Spanish
and Portuguese Governments in recognition of his services in the field. On the
disbandment of the Spanish Legion, to which he had been attached as Deputy
Inspector-General of Hospitals, he became commissioner for the adjustment of the
claims of the British troops on the Governments in whose support they had fought
In 1844 Mr. Alcock was transferred to the East, which was destined to be the
scene of the labours with which his name is principally associated. In that year he