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After returning to Europe, the collected materials — plants, animals, rocks, observations on climate and life under the ice — were divided among the best researchers of the time, reaching 80 specialists from all corners of Europe. A significant editorial effort began then, coordinated by Georges Lecointe and Emil Racoviță. The publication and editing of the results lasted more than 40 years, between 1901 and 1949, and was carried out under the series entitled: „Expedition antarctique belge. Résultats du voyage du S. Y. Belgica 1887-1888-1889 sur le commandement du A. de Gerlache de Gomery. Rapports scientifiques publiés aux frais du gouvernement belge”. Over forty years of work, nine massive volumes, dozens of fascicles — a veritable encyclopedia of Antarctica begun in 1900.
The two coordinators maintained an active correspondence with the authors and editors. The archives bear witness to an impressive effort and constant involvement on the part of the two scholars. The first five volumes deal with the following fields: Vol. I – Hydrography; Vol. II – Astronomy and physics of the globe; Vol. III–IV – Meteorology; Vol. V – Oceanography and geology. The following four volumes (VI-IX) are dedicated to the life sciences: botany benefits from 9 fascicles, and zoology — from no less than 63, reflecting the wealth of materials collected, primarily by Emil Racoviță.
The Belgica expedition was, in essence, a great scientific mission. It paved the way for what we call polar research today. For Romania, it marked the beginning of a scientific tradition in Antarctica, with Emil Racoviță serving as a pioneer. The expedition's members became heroes. Belgica was the first ship to winter in Antarctica, providing unique data on climate, fauna, oceanography and magnetism. Unknown islands, coasts and species were discovered.
On 18 November 1899, at the Royal Belgian Geographical Society, Georges Lecointe declared that Belgica had returned with "much more than a wintering and two deaths."