The Psychology of Exploration. (Psyche, July, 1921.) Priestly, R. E.

Extract

A unique account of the character reactions observed and experienced during Antarctic exploration. The writer deals with the reactions of (1) the party as a whole, and (2) of sections isolated on special duties, or by misfortune. The life shows well-defined phases. The journey south and the approach to the initial goal is a time of high resolve, anticipation, and exhilaration. Quickly there follow periods of intense labour in which physique is searched to the outmost, but these are followed by times of untrammelled relaxation; these contrasts persist throughout, and produce the fascination so characteristic of polar journeys.