[Review of his Physical description of New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land, 1845] / [Sir Paul Edmond de Strzelecki].

  • Paweł Strzelecki
Date:
[between 1840 and 1849?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: [Review of his Physical description of New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land, 1845] / [Sir Paul Edmond de Strzelecki]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    cessful inquiry. Our maritime position has mainly contributed to this result; and, looking more especially to the present time, we may cite as eminent instances the several expeditions of arctic and antarctic discovery which have been sent forth during the last twenty years; including, by an earnest anticipation of success, that which is at this moment on its way to achieve—if achievement be possible by energy and skill—the ancient problem of the north¬ west passage. Our old maritime discoverers in this course, the Frobishers, Hudsons, and Baffins, gave marvellous examples of in¬ trepidity in traversing unknown and dangerous seas with their small and ill-provided barks. But science has now been added to boldness; and since the time of Cook’s voyages, all our expe¬ ditions, and especially those of latest date, have comprised men admirably qualified by their various pursuits and attainments to advance the progress, not of geography alone, but of every branch of physical knowledge, by land as well as on sea. We might in¬ dulge in a long list of names to confirm our assertion, were they not too familiarly known to require such notice.* It is needful, however, to admit that this superiority is not equally maintained by our travellers on land only. In relation to their number, the proportion of those of high attainment and fit¬ ness for their vocation is less than in Germany; nor can we justly claim at this moment the place of foremost in reputation. The fact as to relative proportion is readily explained. In the mass of English travellers circulating over Europe, and countries beyond, we find classes and descriptions of persons who in the social eco¬ nomy of other nations seldom or never quit their native soil. We have already alluded to this; and were it needful, might comment more minutely on the composition of that extraordinary mul¬ titude who carry the English name, character, and habits, over the face of the earth; including (as we may remark for our pre¬ sent purpose) a vast mass of the middle class of society,—-very many for mere matters of business;—and a large number of the young and untutored, fresh from nursery, school, or college. A question of proportion taken from these gives no useful result. The Germans, who quit their own country for travel—-much fewer in number, and with smaller means and appliances of every kind-—do nevertheless carry with them certain conditions well fitted to successful research—an age sufficiently matured; habits of labour and moderate living; great earnestness of purpose ; * We cannot, however, willingly omit the name of Mr. Charles Darwin ; who by his various successful labours and acquisitions during the four years’ voyage of the Beagle, and by his various works connected with this expedition, has well sustained his family name, and taken a high place among European travellers and naturalists. We rejoice to see that his 4 Journal’ has now been reprinted with additions, and in a cheap form. studies
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