To Discover The North Pole

Dr. Ed Hofma, U of M '84,  joined a party

Has Returned Home

He was with Explorer Wellman. Party was forced to give up expedition.

Dr. Edward Hofma, who graduated from the medical department in 1884, has returned from his trip in search of the North Pole. He was a member of the unlucky Wellman expedition and has been gone just 17 months.

The voyage from Tromsoe to Cape Teggethoff, Hall Island, Franz Josef island, where the permanent camp was established, did not vary particularly from similar voyages on the part of other explorers. A portable house of English construction had been taken along, and this became, during the long Arctic winter, the home of four Americana and five Norwegians who constituted the party. The means of enjoyment throughout the 90 days of darkness were somewhat limited.

Dr. Hofma said that the climate of Hall island would not be unbearable under favorable conditions. Should the discovery of gold, for instance, bring an influx of white men there, they would be able to live very nicely, although it is many degrees north of Dawson City.

When the party returned to civilization, by Dr. Hofma's direction Mr. Wellman went to a famous English hospital to secure needed rest. Explorer Wellman was about 45 miles from the camp when he injured his leg, but went over 50 miles farther before returning to his companions. The injury was not serious at the outset but required immediate medical attendance, which, of course, it did not receive.

Dr. Hofma believes the pole will be reached. He agrees fully with Nansen's theory, that drifting is the most certain way of reaching the pole, but says that course requires at least three years' time. A quick dash on foot, with sledges drawn by dogs carrying necessary provisions, is, the doctor thinks, perfectable feasible. The attempt must, of course, be made by the right man at the right time, and under the right conditions.

As scientist of the party, Dr. Hofma made a fine collection of animal and plant life, which he turned over to the Natural History Society of New York City. The doctor also brought quite a number of curiosities and specimens home with him.

Asked as to whether he was in imminent personal danger at any time, the doctor declared that he had a very trying experience in a too heavily laden canvas boat which fllled in spite of his utmost efforts to pump it out. His situation was exceedingly unpleasant for a time. Dr. Hofma declared that he might again visit the polar regions.