John Muir
Cruise of the Revenue-Steamer Corwin in Alaska and the N.W. Arctic Ocean in 1881: Botanical Notes
Notes and Memoranda: Medical and Anthropological; Botanical; Ornithological.
"Cruise of the Revenue-Steamer Corwin in Alaska and the N.W. Arctic Ocean in 1881" is a scientific publication by John Muir, E.W. Nelson, and Dr. Irving C. Rosse, written in the early 1880s. This book documents the observations and notes collected during a cruise aboard the revenue cutter Corwin, focusing on the natural history, anthropology, and botany of the Alaskan and Arctic regions. It provides valuable insights into the flora and fauna of the remote Arctic landscape during that period. The content of the book is largely comprised of detailed botanical notes, collected by John Muir, which highlight the diverse plant life encountered in various locations along the Alaskan coast and nearby islands, including Saint Lawrence, Wrangel, and Herald Islands. Muir explains the characteristics of these plants, noting their adaptations to the harsh Arctic climate. The publication also includes medical and anthropological observations concerning the native populations and their relationship with the environment. Overall, the work presents a vivid account of Arctic exploration, underscoring the beauty and complexity of the ecosystems in this region, while serving as a significant historical record of 19th-century scientific inquiry.