Chemistry and Captain Scott’s 1901 Discovery Expedition to the Antarctic

View Chemistry and Captain Scott’s 1901 Discovery Expedition to the Antarctic

Presenter: Derek Craston

Published: February 2013

Age: 14-19 and upwards

Views: 1557 views

Tags: food nutrition safety

Type: Lectures

Source/institution: Royal Society of Chemistry


Watch now

Dr Derek Craston, the UK Government Chemist, reveals how Captain Scott’s preparations for his 1901 Discovery Expedition to the Antarctic included a personal request to the Government Chemist to analyse his planned food supplies. Tellingly, the research exposed a nutritional deficit in one of the key foodstuffs Scott had intended to take with him. He also talks about recent cases where sound measurement has been applied to resolve food incidents and ultimately protect the public. Looking to the future, he discusses emerging food risks and the science that will be required to meet the challenges ahead.