Superb artworks and photographs spanning three centuries document
advances and watersheds in the field of natural science. The stories
behind these images--of explorers, naturalists, artists and
photographers--entwine into a fascinating study of human achievement and
natural wonder. Among the many stories of adventure and great scientific
endeavour are: Sir Hans Sloane's journey to Jamaica in 1687; James
Cook's perilous Pacific crossings; and Darwin's historic voyage aboard
HMS Beagle. Hand-picked from the vast Library of the Natural History
Museum, London, the illustrations and artworks contained here form a
rare collection, most of which have been presented for the first time in
this stunning book.