In 1870 Thomson brought his idea to the attention of the Royal Society of London who expressed much interest in it and helped him set the main goals for the expedition. First was to find out what the physical conditions of the deep sea were like in regards to temperature, gravity, water circulation and other variables. Second, discover what sea water consisted of at various depths including chemical makeup. Third, to find out what the deposits on the ocean floor are made of and where these deposits originated. Fourth, to discover what sorts of flora and fauna lived at different depths and what, if any, lived on the ocean floor. This last one was of particular importance to Thomson as a new idea called the “azoic” theory (“a” meaning without and “zoic” meaning life) was being accepted as fact. This theory stated that no life could live below 300 fathoms (1,800 feet) as the pressure was too intense for any creature to withstand. Thomson was almost certain this theory was incorrect as sailors and fisherman had reportedly caught fish at depths greater than this.

With the goals set and excitement for the idea growing, the Royal Society of London requested that the British Government lend them a ship that could be used for the voyage. The Royal Navy obliged and with ship and funding in place Thomson set about gathering a crew and supplies for the expedition that was set to sail in late 1872.