The third resolution passed at the International Geographical Congress, held in London in 1895, is reviewed in the light of its scientific goals and subsequent achievements. Seven Antarctic expeditions from six countries are analyzed in terms of their objectives, scientific staffs, and academic disciplines. Comparisons are made of the success of the early expeditions (1895-1905) of the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration and some simple quantitative as well as qualitative judgments are attempted. It is acknowledged that the motivations of Antarctic expeditions at this time were complex, but the conclusion is drawn that science played an important role alongside nationalism, heroism, and to a lesser extent commerce, in this period of Antarctic exploration.