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Sextant:
Surgeon John L. Fox used this sextant during the four-year expedition around the world.
The US South Seas Exploring Expedition:
In August 1838, six vessels set sail on a voyage unlike any other in the history of the young nation. In the tradition of Columbus, Magellan, and Cook, the expedition's purpose was discovery; discoveries ostensibly to benefit American commerce. More importantly, it was a voyage of scientific discovery.
Led by Lt Charles Wilkes, the expedition lasted four years and covered 85,000 miles. Despite the loss of two ships, and more than 100 sailors, the scientific results were spectacular. The volume of objects and specimens collected overwhelmed the small American scientific community and influenced the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution. |