A Voyage Towards the South Pole and Round the World Volume 2Cook, James
History
A Voyage Towards the South Pole and Round the World Volume 2
Cook, James
Antarctica; Oceania -- Discovery and exploration -- Early works to 1800; Voyages around the world -- Early works to 1800
In this circumnavigation, amidst sleets and falls of snow, fogs, and much
moist weather, the _Resolution_ enjoyed nearly the same good state of
health she had done in the temperate and torrid zones. It appears only
from the journal of the Surgeon, that towards the end of the first
course* some of the crew began to complain of the scurvy; but the disease
made little progress, except in one who had become early an invalid from
another cause. The other disorders were likewise inconsiderable, such as
common colds, slight diarrhoeas, and intermittents that readily yielded
to the Bark: there were also some fevers of a continued form, but which
by timely care never rose to an alarming height. Much commendation is
therefore due to the attention and abilities of Mr. PATTEN, the Surgeon
of the _Resolution_, for having so well seconded his Captain in the
discharge of his duty. For it must be allowed, that in despite of the
best regulations and the best provisions, there will always be among a
numerous crew, during a long voyage, some casualties more or less
productive of sickness; and that unless there be an intelligent medical
assistant on board, many under the wisest Commander will perish, that
otherwise might have been saved.
[* Viz. The voyage between the Cape of Good Hope and New Zealand.]
These, Gentlemen, are the reflections I had to lay before you on this
interesting subject; and if I have encroached on your time, you will
recollect that much of my discourse hath been employed in explaining some
things but just mentioned by Captain Cook, and in adding other materials,
which I had procured partly from himself, and partly, after his
departure, from those intelligent friends he alludes to in his Paper.
This was my plan; which, as I have now executed, you will please to
return your thanks to those gentlemen, who, on your account, so
cheerfully communicated to me their observations.
As to your acknowledgments to Captain Cook, and your high opinion of his
deserts, you will best testify them by the honourable distinction
suggested by your Council, in presenting him with this medal: for I need
not gather your suffrages, since the attention with which you have
favoured me hath abundantly expressed your approbation. My satisfaction
therefore had been complete, had he himself been present to receive the
honours you now confer upon him. But you are apprized that our brave and
indefatigable Brother is at this instant far removed from us,
anticipating, I may say, your wonted request on these occasions, by
continuing his labours for the advancement of Natural Knowledge, and for
the honour of this Society: as you may be assured, that the object of his
new enterprize is not less great, perhaps still greater than either of
the former.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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