James Cook and the Conquest of Scurvy

(Hardback)

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The conquest of scurvy by James Cook during his three famous circumnavigations of 1768-1780 was a product of Cook's character, of his leadership, and of the wisdom of the naturalists who accompanied Cook; specialists who helped locate antiscorbutic plants during stopovers. In this book, Dr. Cuppage shows the importance of careful observation, and of controlled clinical trials. This is an account of the lasting medical effects of Cook's voyages as he tried to liberate mankind from the scourge of scurvy. Cuppage captures the sense of adventure that explorers and scientists share.

Reviews

.,."a thoroughly researched, extensively documented, smoothly written review of the subject. This fascinating book belongs on the shelf of every medical history buff."- Modern Pathology
.,."we have a good example of an expert in one field applying his knowledge to a separate but related interest, and it is the blending of this information that makes this volume particularly valuable and unique. It is clear from his references that Cuppage has used every possible primary and secondary source for his work."-The Northern Mariner
...a thoroughly researched, extensively documented, smoothly written review of the subject. This fascinating book belongs on the shelf of every medical history buff.- Modern Pathology
...we have a good example of an expert in one field applying his knowledge to a separate but related interest, and it is the blending of this information that makes this volume particularly valuable and unique. It is clear from his references that Cuppage has used every possible primary and secondary source for his work.-The Northern Mariner
Cuppage, recounts the conquest of the disease. He begins with the early history of scurvy, provides a sketch of the beginnings of nautical medicine during the 18th century, gives a detailed narrative of the three voyages of Cook, touches on the delay in the application of his findings, and concludes with the final solution of the cause of scurvy. A reasonable, quick introduction.-Choice
This book is well researched and contains a great deal of detail on events leading up to Captain James Cook's three historic 18th-century voyages on behalf of the British Royal Society.... engaging and valuable to students interested in Captain Cook, the history of scurvy, and the history of navigation and exploration.-JAMA
..."a thoroughly researched, extensively documented, smoothly written review of the subject. This fascinating book belongs on the shelf of every medical history buff."- Modern Pathology
..."we have a good example of an expert in one field applying his knowledge to a separate but related interest, and it is the blending of this information that makes this volume particularly valuable and unique. It is clear from his references that Cuppage has used every possible primary and secondary source for his work."-The Northern Mariner
"This book is well researched and contains a great deal of detail on events leading up to Captain James Cook's three historic 18th-century voyages on behalf of the British Royal Society.... engaging and valuable to students interested in Captain Cook, the history of scurvy, and the history of navigation and exploration."-JAMA
"Cuppage, recounts the conquest of the disease. He begins with the early history of scurvy, provides a sketch of the beginnings of nautical medicine during the 18th century, gives a detailed narrative of the three voyages of Cook, touches on the delay in the application of his findings, and concludes with the final solution of the cause of scurvy. A reasonable, quick introduction."-Choice

Author Bio

FRANCIS E. CUPPAGE is Professor of Pathology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City. His interest in Medical History began over a decade ago while on sabbatical in Cambridge, England. His association with the Department of the History and Philosophy of Medicine and the Clendening History of Medicine Library in Kansas City, and his recent trip to the South Pacific to study the sites and documents of the three circumnavigations of James Cook have culminated in this book.