"Discovering Antarctica", a new exhibition at the University of Glasgow's Hunterian Museum, describes the activities of some of the first scientists to set foot on the Antarctic continent.

On display for the first time in Scotland are actual specimens collected by Captain Scott and his team during their fatal journey back from the South Pole. These were among 35lbs of rock specimens discovered when their bodies were found. Perhaps their fate might have been different had they not collected, and then carried this extra material?

Also on exhibition are some of the specimens collected by James Wordie, the geologist on Earnest Shackleton's Endurance expedition. While Shackleton made his miraculous boat journey to South Georgia for help, Wordie and the other marooned men collected specimens and made geological observations on Elephant Island, under the most arduous conditions. Although published in a scientific paper in 1921, this work seems to have been forgotten in the many popular accounts of the expedition.

The display also includes the very first specimens ever collected from continental Antarctica, by CE Borchgrevink in 1895. These were rediscovered recently in the Hunterian Museum, having been unnoticed and unrecorded for almost a century.

Other highlights include superb meteorites collected from Antarctica, a range of geological specimens from other early expeditions, and associated stories of heroic endeavour.

"Discovering Antarctica" will run until 11th January, and will include a program of short talks on particular aspects of the exhibition, taking place on Tuesdays at 12.45pm. This is a unique opportunity to see this fascinating historical material gathered together in one place.

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

For further information, please contact the Press Office on 0141 330 3535/ 3683 or Professor John Faithfull on 0141 330 4213

First published: 11 November 2002