Specimens and Science
Dr. Rudolph M. Anderson was the leader of the Southern Party during the Canadian Arctic Expedition of 1913–1918. He conducted scientific research on various aspects of the Arctic environment, local traditional knowledge and the flora and fauna. Look at his dissecting kit and meet his most memorable specimens.
The Southern Party returned to Ottawa with thousands of specimens of animals, plants, fossils and rocks; thousands of artifacts from the Copper Inuit and other cultures; and about 4,000 photographs and 9,000 feet of movie film. The Expedition generated 14 volumes of scientific results plus many other papers and publications. It helped introduce southern Canadians to the unique cultures of their northern compatriots. Photos and film shot by the Expedition have been used in books, television and movie productions, and many of the artifacts and specimens have been featured in museums across Canada.