Oriental Navigator
Publisher
James Humphreys
Date1801
Object number00016957
NameBook
MediumLeather, gilt, Ink on paper
DimensionsOverall: 222 x 152 x 48 mm, 0.75 kg
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionA book titled 'The Oriental Navigator, or New Directions for Sailing to and From the East Indies: Also for the Use of Ships Trading in the Indian and China Seas to New Holland, &c. &C.' by James Humprehys.
Also appearing on title page is `Collected from the manuscripts, journals, memoirs and observations of the most experienced officers in the Hon. East India Company's Service, and from the last edition of the French Neptune Oriental, by Mons. D'apres de Mannevillette. With an appendix, containing a particular account of several new tracks and discoveries: To which is added the India Officers and Traders guide in purchasing the drugs and spices of Asia and the East Indies; with practical directions for the choice of diamonds; and the use of the Chinese touch needles in judging of the value of gold. Likewise, accurate tables of the weights, measures, coins, money, &c. &C. &C. Of different settlements in India, from the latest and best authorities. The whole arranged and new first published in one volume.'. Published in Philadelphia.
HistoryThis first edition text contains directions for sailing to and from the East Indies with a section on the Indian and China Seas to New Holland. It also included guides on purchasing "the drugs and spices of Asia" and advice on "choosing diamonds and the use of Chinese touch needles in judging the value of gold".
This volume is a good companion text to the copy of Bowditch 'The New Practical Navigator', 1802 as both works provide valuable information on the early sporadic trade with Australia and the early period of the China trade.SignificanceDuring the 19th century many western ships were trading in the waters around India, China and Australia. This book was used as a navigational guide for the Orient and was the first American work to be written on the trade route to the Indies and Australia.
