The Development of the English and the Dutchman's Log

Abstract

During the last few years much has been learned about the navigational developments and techniques of the English pioneers of colonization in the New World. This has been made possible in some measure by the formation in America of a private library of the books relating to the art of navigation as practised by the Elizabethan and early Stuart seamen. It was in the course of forming his remarkable collection of early Americana that Mr. Henry C. Taylor of New York, purchased copies of Captain John Smith's An Accidence or The Pathway to Experience. Necessary for all Young Sea-men, or those that are desirous to goe to Sea … first published in London in 1626, and A Sea Grammar, with The Plaine Exposition of Smiths Accidence for Young Sea-men, enlarged … first published in London in 1627, subsequent editions of this latter work being entitled The Sea-mans Grammar, etc.

William Dampier: Navigator Extraordinary

“…David Waters (1956) informs us that, throughout the 17 th Century, the log line was most commonly thrown every two hours and, as commander of a Naval ship, it is likely that Dampier would have followed this practice. A consequence of the close spacing of the knots in his log line was that his readings would have over-estimated the speed of his ship.…”