This manual covers the history of naturalists aboard ships during the great Pacific discovery expeditions of the "long eighteenth century." It details the adventures, misadventures, discoveries, and dangers encountered by these explorer-scholars as they sought to catalogue and study exotic flora and fauna unknown in Europe. The book illuminates the unique challenges faced by these individuals, from the perils and boredom of sea voyages to the often elusive recognition for their scientific contributions upon returning home. It features prominent figures of Enlightenment science and offers a new perspective on the era of Pacific exploration and its impact on the perception of the natural world.

The scope of this publication is to provide a comprehensive account of the experiences of scientific travelers from Dampier to Darwin. It delves into the daily lives of naturalists at sea, the complexities of their relationships with ship commanders, and the scientific endeavors that defined their voyages. The manual serves as a historical document, detailing the significant contributions of these individuals and the broader context of their expeditions within the history of science and exploration. It aims to engage readers with the compelling narratives of these dedicated and often eccentric individuals whose work fundamentally changed our understanding of the natural world.