William John Peters

However, the scientific information Peters and his staff collected, including geomagnetic, aurora, astronomical, tide, and weather observations (Ziegler Polar Expedition 1907), contributed significantly to our knowledge of Arctic science.

During two cruises, totalling 53,263 nautical miles (98,643 km; 61,294 mi), primarily in the Pacific Ocean, Peters invented a specialized compass used for making declination determinations.

The second cruise, totaling 92,829 NM (171,919 km; 106,826 mi) and lasting three years, occurred primarily in the tropical areas of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.

Harradon (1942) summed up Peters' role in laying the foundation of our current knowledge: "The work of the Galilee and Carnegie is one of the outstanding achievements in the history of geomagnetism, particularly as it will serve as a prototype of similar projects, like that of the Research, which may be undertaken in the future.

The prominent part played by Captain Peters is reflected in every aspect of this great work from the planning and preparation to the actual accomplishment of the early cruises and the discussion of the final results for publication.

Few geophysicists have accomplished more in establishing the premises upon which others have built fruitful theories in the attempt to solve the difficult problems encountered in the investigation of the Earth's magnetism."