Scott's Forgotten Surgeon: Dr. Reginald Koettlitz, Polar Explorer

Koettlitz, a British physician, was a member of the Jackson-Harmsworth Expedition (1894-97) to Franz Josef Land serving as both physician and geologist. During this expedition he fine-tuned his measures to prevent scurvy, became an experienced ski runner, dog and pony handler, and expert in polar survival. He then joined the Herbert Weld Blundell Expedition to North East Africa (1898-99) as surgeon, geologist, anthropologist, and field manager. Following this expedition, Koettlitz turned his sights south once again and joined Scott’s National Antarctic Expedition (1901-04). He was senior surgeon and botanist/bacteriologist for this expedition and was later awarded a medal by the Royal Geographical Society for his work. He is also credited with taking the first color photographs on the Antarctic continent. Unfortunately, these have been lost to history. This well-researched account is enriched with previously unseen archive material such as correspondence with Nansen and photographs relating to polar history during the period 1890–1916.