Narrative of the Circumnavigation of the Globe by the Austrian Frigate Novara, Volume I Informative Summary

Overview:

This book chronicles the journey of the Austrian frigate Novara on its circumnavigation of the globe in 1857-1859, focusing on the voyage’s geographical, historical, and social observations. The expedition aimed to showcase Austria’s presence on the global stage, train young naval officers, and gather valuable natural specimens for the Imperial Academy of Sciences.

The book details the ship’s route, starting from Trieste and navigating the Adriatic Sea, the Straits of Messina, and the Mediterranean before entering the Atlantic and reaching Madeira. The ship then continued its voyage to Rio de Janeiro, Cape of Good Hope, St. Paul Island, Ceylon, and Madras. The book provides a fascinating glimpse into the diverse cultures and environments encountered along the way, highlighting the unique features of each location.

Key Findings:

The importance of ocean currents to navigation, as evidenced by the ship’s experience in the Straits of Gibraltar and off the coast of Madeira.
The impact of colonialism and trade on the natural resources and societies of the visited islands and regions.
The devastating effects of diseases like smallpox, cholera, and horse sickness on the indigenous populations.
The critical role of free labor and immigration in the development of colonies like Brazil and Cape Colony.

Learning:

The reader will learn about the history of various regions, including Madeira, Brazil, Cape Colony, Ceylon, and Madras.
The book offers insight into the challenges and rewards of long-distance sea travel, including the impact of weather, currents, and the importance of navigation skills.
The reader will develop an understanding of the diverse cultures and societies encountered by the expedition, including indigenous populations, colonial settlements, and the influence of European powers.
The text emphasizes the role of science in exploration and its contribution to understanding the natural world, including botany, zoology, geology, and meteorology.

Historical Context:

The book was written in the mid-19th century, during a period of significant global change. The rise of industrialization, the expansion of trade and colonialism, and the development of new technologies like steam power and telegraphs were transforming the world. This context is reflected in the book’s discussions of the impact of European powers on the societies and economies of the visited regions.

Facts:

Gibraltar was fortified by the Moors. The rock’s strategic location gave it military importance since its conquest by Tarik ibn Ziyad in 711 AD.
Madeira was discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1419. João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Teixeira are credited with the discovery of the island.
Madeira’s wine industry was devastated by a vine disease in the 1850s. The fungus, Oïdium Tuckeri, decimated the island’s vineyards, leading to economic hardship and a shift to alternative crops like sugar cane.
The Amazon rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world. Located primarily in Brazil, this vast ecosystem is home to incredible biodiversity.
The “Curaré” poison is extracted from the sap of the Strychnos toxifera tree. This potent poison, used by indigenous South American tribes for hunting, has both lethal and medicinal properties.
Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer. The country’s coffee plantations cover a significant portion of its territory, contributing significantly to its economy.
The Cape of Good Hope was discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1488. Bartolomeu Dias was the first European to round the southern tip of Africa, paving the way for a sea route to the East Indies.
The “Tsetse Fly” is a deadly insect found in southern Africa. Its bite is poisonous to livestock, but harmless to humans.
The Maldives are a chain of atolls in the Indian Ocean. These islands are primarily composed of coral, highlighting the geological processes that create these unique landscapes.
Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, was a major center for the production of cinnamon and other spices. The island’s strategic location and natural resources made it a focal point of trade for centuries.
The Cingalese people of Sri Lanka are primarily Buddhist. Buddhism has been a major influence on the island’s culture and society for centuries.
Adam’s Peak, a sacred mountain in Sri Lanka, is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims. The “holy footprint” at the summit is revered by followers of each religion, highlighting the intersection of faith and tradition in Sri Lanka.
The “Chank-shell” is a sacred symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is used in religious ceremonies and as a musical instrument.
Madras, now Chennai, is a major port city in southern India. Its history as a trading center dates back to the 17th century.
The Coromandel Coast of India is known for its turbulent surf. The challenging conditions at Madras make it difficult to reach the shore by boat, highlighting the importance of specialized boats like “Catamarans” and “Massuli” boats.
The “Seven Pagodas,” or Mahamalaipuram, is a renowned site of ancient Hindu sculptures and temples in India. These monolithic structures, carved out of granite rock, are a testament to the artistic skills and religious devotion of the ancient inhabitants.
The “Pariahs” are a low-caste group in India. They are often ostracized and discriminated against, reflecting the rigid caste system that has existed in India for centuries.
The “Punkah” is a hand-operated fan used in hot climates to provide a cool breeze. It is a common sight in many buildings and homes in India and other tropical regions.
Dr. Bell, a Scottish educator, developed the “Lancastrian method of teaching” in Madras. This system, which involved students teaching other students, revolutionized education in the 19th century.
The “Zodiacal Light” is a faint band of light that appears in the sky near the ecliptic. It is thought to be caused by dust and other particles in the solar system.

Statistics:

The Austrian frigate Novara traveled 51,686 miles during its circumnavigation.
The ship spent 551 days at sea and 298 days at anchor or on shore.
The Novara’s crew consisted of 352 men.
The population of Madeira is about 100,000.
The population of Gibraltar is about 20,000.
The population of Cape Colony is about 280,000.
The population of Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, is about 1,726,640.
The population of Madras, now Chennai, is about 700,000.
The average annual temperature of Madeira is 64°F.
The average annual temperature of Rio de Janeiro is about 74°F.
The average annual temperature of Madras is about 94°F.
The island of St. Paul has a superficial area of 1,600,000 Vienna square klafter.
The island of St. Paul is about 3 nautical miles long.
The highest point of St. Paul’s crater-basin is 846 feet.
The island of Amsterdam is about 32,359 feet long on its south coast.
The highest summit of Amsterdam is 2891 feet.
The total amount of coffee produced annually in Brazil is about 5,190,000 quintals.
The annual production of wine in Cape Colony is 24,000 pipes.
The annual production of cinnamon in Ceylon is about 800,000 to 900,000 lbs.
The annual production of coffee in Ceylon is about 1,680,000 cwt.
The annual value of precious stones found in Ceylon is about £10,000.
The total amount of cocoa-nut oil exported annually from Ceylon is about 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 gallons.
The total amount of coir, or cocoa-nut fibre, exported annually from Ceylon is about 30,000 to 40,000 quintals.
The total value of the produce exported annually from Ceylon is about £2,000,000.

Terms:

Atoll: A ring-shaped coral reef surrounding a lagoon.
Bayadère: A female temple dancer in India.
Bungalow: A detached house or cottage in India.
Caseiro: A tenant farmer, especially in Portugal.
Chalia: A member of a low-caste group in Ceylon.
Coir: Fibre obtained from the husk of the cocoa-nut, used in making rope and other products.
Dhonie: A boat used in the pearl fishery off the coast of Ceylon.
Dubash: A native interpreter or go-between, especially in India.
Fata Morgana: A type of mirage, often seen at sea or in deserts, that creates distorted images of objects in the air.
Hemeralopia: A condition in which vision is impaired in bright light but normal in dim light.
Kauris: Cowries, a type of shell used as currency in parts of Africa and Asia.
Lascar: A native sailor, especially in India.
Levadas: Artificial irrigation channels, especially in Madeira.
Morgado: Entailed property, especially in Portugal.
Pariah: A member of a low-caste group in India.
Peon: A native messenger or attendant, especially in India.
Punkah: A hand-operated fan, typically hung from the ceiling, used to provide a cool breeze in hot climates.
Solfatara: A volcanic vent that releases steam and gases but does not erupt lava.
Tiffin: A light meal, typically taken in the afternoon, in India.
Vinculo: Entail, especially in Portugal.
Wihara: A Buddhist monastery.

Examples:

The Novara’s experience with the “Fata Morgana” illustrates the effects of atmospheric conditions on perception. This optical illusion, caused by temperature differences, creates distorted images of ships and other objects in the air, showcasing the power of nature to influence our perception.
The story of Marianno José Machado’s attempt to cure his leprosy by being bitten by a rattlesnake exemplifies the extremes of desperation and folk beliefs in Brazil. This unfortunate incident highlights the lack of scientific understanding and the persistence of traditional remedies in certain societies.
The story of the five young Caffres who joined the Novara crew highlights the possibilities for cultural exchange and personal growth. The experience of these prisoners, who learned about Christianity and other cultures, showcases the potential for positive change through interaction with different societies.
The example of the “Cipo Matador” vine in the Brazilian rainforest illustrates the complex relationships between organisms in the natural world. This parasitic vine kills its host tree, highlighting the struggles for survival and the delicate balance of ecosystems.
The tale of the Malay prophet’s tomb at Zandvliet demonstrates the influence of religious beliefs on cultural practices. The pilgrimage to the tomb and the stories surrounding the prophet showcase the importance of faith and tradition in shaping the lives of individuals and communities.
The annual pearl fishery off the coast of Ceylon exemplifies the intersection of economic activity, religious beliefs, and cultural traditions. This event attracts thousands of people, from divers and merchants to priests and entertainers, showcasing the complex social and economic forces at play in Sri Lanka.
The Seven Pagodas, or Mahamalaipuram, is a compelling example of the enduring power of artistic expression and religious devotion in ancient India. The intricate sculptures and temples carved into the granite rock are a testament to the skill and artistry of the ancient inhabitants, highlighting the enduring legacy of their beliefs and culture.
The story of the German rope-dancer, Neupert, who travelled on the Novara highlights the complexities of human experience in a globalized world. Neupert’s journey from a life of performing arts to a state of hardship demonstrates the challenges and possibilities of traveling and adapting to new environments.

Conclusion:

The Narrative of the Circumnavigation of the Globe by the Austrian Frigate Novara, Volume I offers a fascinating account of a scientific expedition that sailed around the world in 1857-1859. The book provides valuable insights into the diverse cultures, environments, and challenges of the visited regions. It also highlights the influence of colonialism, trade, and technological advancements on the societies and economies of these locations. Through its detailed observations and captivating stories, the book offers a glimpse into the world of the mid-19th century, showcasing the interconnectedness of people, cultures, and the natural world.

Learn more