A Voyage Towards the South Pole and Round the World Volume 2 Informative Summary

Overview:

This second volume of Captain James Cook’s account of his voyage to the South Pole and around the world continues the narrative of his exploration of the Pacific Ocean. After leaving Ulietea in the Society Isles, Cook and his crew sail to the Friendly Isles, a group of islands including Anamocka (Rotterdam) and Amattafoa, the latter of which has a volcano. After leaving the Friendly Isles, Cook charts the New Hebrides, a chain of islands that Quiros had mistakenly believed to be part of a southern continent.

Following the New Hebrides, Cook moves on to New Caledonia where he encounters the island’s inhabitants. The inhabitants of New Caledonia are described as ape-like, dark-skinned and deformed by the tight belts they wear. Cook explores the coast of New Caledonia, discovering a bay he names Port Resolution and a harbor he names Port Sandwich.

Key Findings:

Cook’s second voyage explored a significant part of the South Pacific, including islands previously unknown to European explorers.
Cook refutes the theory of a southern continent by proving that the landmasses he encountered were actually islands.
The voyage provides valuable information about different South Pacific cultures and languages.
Cook’s account details methods for preventing and treating scurvy, including the use of malt, sourkraut, and portable broth.
Cook’s voyage reveals a new species of spruce pine in New Caledonia, which he determines is useful for ship spars.
The second volume includes a detailed account of the massacre of Captain Furneaux’s boat’s crew by the New Zealand natives, confirming the cannibalism prevalent in some parts of the islands.
Cook’s exploration of the South Atlantic leads him to the discovery of the Isle of Georgia and Sandwich Land, both of which are described as covered in snow and ice.

Learning:

Navigation and Exploration: The reader learns about the challenges of navigating the South Pacific and the methods employed by Cook to map and understand the region. Cook’s detailed account provides insights into his scientific approach to exploration and his determination to chart previously uncharted waters.
South Pacific Cultures: Cook’s second voyage introduces readers to the diversity of South Pacific cultures and the unique characteristics of each group. The descriptions of the inhabitants, their customs, languages, and social structures provide a glimpse into the complexity of these societies.
Scurvy and Maritime Medicine: Readers learn about the devastating effects of scurvy, a disease that plagued sailors on long voyages. Cook’s account highlights the importance of fresh provisions, cleanliness, and proper ventilation in preventing and treating scurvy. The methods he employed, like the use of malt, sourkraut, and portable broth, are critical for understanding the development of maritime medicine.
Volcanoes and Ice Islands: The reader is exposed to Cook’s observations of volcanic activity in the South Pacific and the formation of ice islands in the southern polar regions. His descriptions provide valuable insights into the geography and natural phenomena of these remote areas.

Historical Context:

This text was written in 1777, a time when Europe was experiencing a period of great exploration and scientific advancement. The age of enlightenment had given rise to a renewed interest in the natural world and the pursuit of scientific knowledge. Cook’s voyage is a testament to this scientific spirit, and his detailed account of his discoveries and observations served as a vital resource for scientists and geographers of the time.

Facts:

Cook disproves the existence of a southern continent: Throughout the voyage, Cook consistently found that the landmasses he encountered were islands, not part of a larger landmass.
The New Hebrides are a chain of islands, not a continent: Quiros, in the 17th century, believed he had found a southern continent. Cook’s explorations of the New Hebrides proved this belief wrong.
The natives of New Caledonia are unlike any others seen in the South Pacific: Cook describes them as “ape-like,” with unique physical characteristics and customs.
The natives of New Caledonia have little to offer in trade: They are less interested in European goods like nails and cloth than other South Pacific islanders.
Cook discovers a new species of spruce pine in New Caledonia: This pine is found to be suitable for making ship spars.
The natives of Tanna practice cannibalism: Cook gathers information from the natives that they eat human flesh.
The natives of Tanna use darts with poison-coated points: They warn Cook and his crew not to touch the points.
The natives of Tanna keep the hair of their deceased relatives: They wear locks of hair as amulets around their necks.
The natives of Tanna have no concept of a dog: They have never encountered these animals before.
The natives of Mallicollo have a unique language: Cook’s crew is unable to understand their language.
The natives of Mallicollo use poisoned arrows: Cook tests one of the arrows on a dog, but it has no effect.
Cook names Port Sandwich on Mallicollo: This harbor is described as safe and well-sheltered.
Cook encounters a “custom-house officer” at Anamocka: This man collects tribute from other islanders and trades goods with the Europeans.
Cook finds a volcano on Amattafoa in the Friendly Isles: The volcano is evident by the smoke rising from the island.
The people of Anamocka are more affected by leprosy than other islanders: Cook sees several people with disfigured faces due to the disease.
Cook discovers several hot springs in Tanna: He tests the temperature of one spring and records it as being 202.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
The natives of Tanna believe that the volcano brings hot springs to the island: They show Cook the smoking vents on the hill near the volcano.
Cook names a bay in New Caledonia “Traitor’s Head”: The inhabitants of this bay attempt to steal a boat from Cook’s crew.
The natives of New Caledonia use a special comb to remove lice: The comb consists of multiple thin sticks that spread out like a fan.
The natives of New Caledonia have no concept of goats, hogs, dogs, or cats: They do not have these domestic animals.
Cook discovers Botany Isle near New Caledonia: This island is named for the abundance of plants found there and is also home to a type of spruce pine, which Cook determines is useful for spars.

Statistics:

20,000 leagues: The total distance sailed by the Resolution during its circumnavigation of the globe.
105 men: Number of men lost during the first East India Company voyage.
200 men: Number of men lost on the Centurion during Commodore Anson’s voyage.
118 men: Total number of men on board the Resolution during its voyage.
1 man: The only crew member lost to sickness during the Resolution’s voyage.
61° S: The southernmost latitude reached by Cook during the voyage.
56 pounds: The weight of a single yam harvested on Tanna.
170°: The temperature of a hot spring in Tanna, as measured by a Fahrenheit thermometer.
191°: The temperature of another hot spring in Tanna, measured by a Fahrenheit thermometer.
202.5°: The temperature of a third hot spring in Tanna, measured by a Fahrenheit thermometer.
38°: The greatest angle of roll observed on the Resolution.
18°: The greatest angle of heel observed on the Resolution.
88 teeth: The number of teeth in each jaw of a porpoise caught by the Resolution.
10 leagues: The distance between the two arms of Christmas Sound.
3 leagues: The distance between the ship and the island where the boat’s crew was murdered.
1500-2000 people: Estimated number of natives in the area of Grass Cove, New Zealand, according to Lieutenant Burney.
29-38 pounds: The weight of a penguin caught in Possession Bay.
62 geese: The number of geese shot by Cook’s crew in Christmas Sound.
105 turtle: The number of turtle taken on board by a sloop from Bermuda at Ascension Island.
32 gallons: The amount of fresh water distilled from seawater in a 24 hour period.
14° 30′: The longitude of Ascension Island.
32° 34′: The longitude of Fernando de Noronha.
70 leagues: The circumference of the Isle of Georgia.
10° 11′: The variation of the compass near Cape Montagu.
8-10 leagues: The estimated circumference of Saunders’s Isle.
26° 44′: The longitude of Saunders’s Isle.
3° of longitude: The distance between Saunders’s Isle and the location where Cook was when he believed he had discovered Sandwich Land.
24° 12′ 15″: The difference in longitude between Cape Town and James Fort in St Helena.
5° 51′: The longitude of James Fort, as determined by lunar observations.
14° 34′: The longitude of the Road of Ascension, as determined by the watch.
14° 28′ 30″: The longitude of the Road of Ascension, as determined by lunar observations.
32° 34′: The longitude of Fernando de Noronha, as determined by the watch.
32° 44′ 30″: The longitude of Fernando de Noronha, as determined by lunar observations.
32° 23′: The longitude of Fernando de Noronha, as determined by Mr. Wales’s observations.
8° 45′: The difference in longitude between St. Helena and Ascension, as determined by the watch.
10 leagues: The distance between Cape North and Possession Bay.
37° 18′: The longitude of Possession Bay.
11 leagues: The distance between Cape Saunders and Cape George.
6 leagues: The distance between Cape George and Cape Charlotte.
8 leagues: The distance between Cape Charlotte and Cooper’s Isle.
70 leagues: The circumference of the Isle of Georgia.
12 leagues: The distance between Cooper’s Isle and Clerke’s Rocks.
26° 31′: The longitude where Cook saw the last ice island before arriving at the Cape of Good Hope.
13° E: The longitude where Cook was when he believed he had discovered Cape Circumcision.
19° 18′: The longitude where Cook realized that Cape Circumcision did not exist.
18′: The difference in longitude between the Cape Town and the ship’s watch, on arrival in Table Bay.

Terms:

Areeke: A chief or leader in the South Pacific islands, particularly in the Friendly Isles.
Booga: A hog, as used in the language of the natives of Tanna and Mallicollo.
Hepatoo: A long spear used by the natives of New Zealand.
Hippa: A fortified place or stronghold built by the natives of New Zealand.
Maray: A burial place or sacred site in the South Pacific.
Matta: The eye, as used in the languages of the Society Isles and Easter Island.
Moa: A fowl, or chicken, as used in the languages of the Society Isles, Easter Island, and the Marquesas Islands.
O’o’mara: Strong, as used in the language of the Society Isles.
Oo’r_oo_: Breadfruit, as used in the language of the Society Isles.
Par_oo_: A division or screen, as used in the language of the Society Isles.

Examples:

The natives of Anamocka rob the surgeon of his gun: The natives’ actions show that they are not always trustworthy and can be tempted by opportunism.
The natives of Tanna refuse to trade their weapons: This demonstrates their fierce independence and distrust of Europeans.
The natives of New Caledonia show respect for Cook, even when armed: Their courtesy and peaceful intentions are evident, even though they are armed.
The natives of New Caledonia have no concept of dogs: Cook introduces a dog and bitch to the island, which helps to show the islanders’ isolation and lack of contact with other cultures.
The natives of New Caledonia use poison-tipped arrows: This demonstrates their knowledge of poisons and their willingness to use lethal weapons.
Cook’s crew experiences poisoning from fish: This is an example of how even familiar-looking creatures in new environments can be dangerous.
The natives of Tanna practice cannibalism: This is a gruesome example of a cultural practice that Cook finds shocking.
Cook’s crew encounters a “custom-house officer” at Anamocka: This individual demonstrates the complexities of trade and power relations within South Pacific cultures.
Cook encounters hot springs in Tanna: These springs are a reminder of the island’s volcanic activity and the dramatic natural forces at work in the South Pacific.
The natives of New Caledonia use a unique comb to remove lice: This is an example of the ingenious ways that they adapt to their environment and cultural practices.

Conclusion:

Captain Cook’s second voyage to the South Pole and around the world was a remarkable feat of exploration and scientific observation. His account reveals not only the vast and diverse nature of the South Pacific and Southern Atlantic but also the challenges and triumphs of navigation, the complexities of the various cultures encountered, and the importance of preserving health at sea.

While Cook’s voyages failed to uncover a southern continent, they provided valuable insights into the geography, culture, and natural phenomena of the southern hemisphere. His explorations also contributed significantly to the development of maritime medicine, by highlighting the importance of fresh provisions, cleanliness, and ventilation in preventing scurvy. Cook’s account serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and scientific inquiry, and his observations remain an important resource for understanding the history and geography of the South Pacific and Southern Atlantic oceans.

Learn more