The Physical Geography of the Sea and Its Meteorology

by Matthew Fontaine Maury

A classic of American 19th-century scientific literature and one of the foundation books in the science of oceanography, The Physical Geography of the Sea first appeared in 1855 and is now regarded as the first textbook of modern oceanography. The system introduced by the author of recording the oceanographic data of naval vessels and merchant marine shops was adopted worldwide, and his book remains ever-vital to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to readers interested in the history of science. 14 figures. 18 tables. 10 black-and-white plates.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Matthew Fontaine Maury (January 14, 1806 – February 1, 1873), United States Navy, was an American astronomer, historian, oceanographer, meteorologist, cartographer, author, geologist, and educator, LL.D.

He was nicknamed "Pathfinder of the Seas" and "Father of Modern Oceanography and Naval Meteorology" and later, "Scientist of the Seas," due to the publication of his extensive works in his books, especially The Physical Geography of the Sea (1855), the first extensive and comprehensive book on oceanography to be published. Maury made many important new contributions to charting winds and ocean currents, including ocean lanes for passing ships at sea.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original book on oceanography. Classic scientific book on currents and weather at sea. I have the 6th edition published in 1856. The most valuable book I own.