Captain James Cook: The incredible true story of the World's Greatest Navigator

Very recommendable! What an extraordinary human being! Born into very humble circumstances. Partially raised and educated by Quakers! Apparently, James Cook was a very gifted and talented human being whose brilliance was recognized early on.

James Douglas, 14th Earl of Morton, a great scientist, member of the Scottish Enlightenment and major financier of a voyage of James Cook instructed Cook to be very respectful of the natives of the newly discovered lands (see image below).

James Cook tried to beat scurvy with fresh produce and Sauerkraut on board. He also implemented a regiment of strict sanitation and hygien on his ship to prevent diseases far ahead of his time.

"Idleness is the devil's playground!"

Hints offered to the consideration of Captain Cook, Mr. Bankes, Doctor Solander and other gentlemen who go upon the expedition on board the Endeavour. Chiswick, 10 August 1768.

Includes detailed instructions on the treatment of native peoples, the aims of the expedition and the observations to be made and objects to be collected. The expedition is to "exercise the utmost patience and forbearance with respect to the natives of the several lands where the ship may touch" and the shedding of blood is a crime of the highest nature. "They are the natural and, in the strictest sense of the word, the legal posessors of the several regions thay inhabit. No European nation has the right to occupy any part of their country ..." It is natural for them to defend their land and if they are hostile there are to be no reprisals. Detailed suggestions are given on how to approach the natives peacably. The primary object of the expedition is to observe the transit of Venus. Once this has been achieved, attention can be turned to other matters "particularly the discovery of a continent in the lower temperate latitudes". Gives clues on how to determine whether a land mass is a continent rather than merely an island, e.g. high mountains and large river mouths. The aim is to observe and describe the peoples, their customs and beliefs, the flora and fauna and the "natural productions of the country". Vegetables are to be sought, particularly those with a medicinal use or use for dyeing. Minerals and fossils and the vocabulary of the names given by the natives are also of interest. (Source)