Chambers's Miscellany of Useful and Entertaining Tracts, Vol. 3 (Classic Reprint)

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Excerpt from Chambers's Miscellany of Useful and Entertaining Tracts, Vol. 3On his return from Quebec, Mr cook was appointed master Of the N orthumberland, under Lord Colville, who was stationed as commodore at Halifax. Here he enjoyed much leisure during the winter, but instead of frittering it away in the frivolous or worse amusements Of a seaport, he diligently employed it in studies suitable to his profession. No sailor can possibly advance beyond the rank of an ordinary seaman unless he be acquainted with the theory as well as the practice of navigation, and to gain this knowledge, he must attain a certain proficiency in mathematics. Aware Of this, Cook began by gaining an accu rate knowledge Of Euclid's Elements of Plane Geometry, and proceeded thence to the higher branches of mathematical study, including nautical astronomy. By these means he learned to take astronomical Observations, to calculate a ship's progress, and to ascertain the degree Of latitude and longitude at any given spot on the trackless ocean. In short, he became an accomplished mariner, ready for any Office of trust. Besides improving him self in these useful branches Of education, he possessed sufficient tact to cultivate urbanity of manner, and to gain the confidence and esteem of his acquaintance. This was a point of some con sequence, for intellectual acquirements, without a polite and high moral bearing, are of small avail in the general intercourse of the world, and, personally, may do more harm than good. It is gratifying to know that Cook aimed at gentlemanly behaviour not less than. Skill in his profession, and to this commendable e¿'ort - which the most humble may practise - is perhaps owing not a little of his future success in life.About the PublisherForgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.comThis book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully, any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.