Abstract
THIS is a modest and well-written narrative of the life of a man whose premature death is a distinct loss to the British navy and to geographical science. Every naval officer should read it, and indeed all who wish to be inspired by the record of a noble life. The unfortunate circumstances connected with the death of Goodenough must be fresh in the memory of our readers. He undoubtedly was a martyr to what he conceived to be his duty; he fell in the attempt to conciliate the savages of Santa Cruz Island, and to assure them of the good intentions of England towards them. Had he been spared he would no doubt have done much good in this direction, as well as added to our knowledge of the Pacific Islands. Commodore Goodenough had high ideas of the scientific and other qualifications which are necessary to make an efficient naval officer, and took every opportunity to advocate these ideas. He himself was a man of varied attainments, and was a student up to the last. He took a warm interest in geographical science, and was for long an earnest advocate for a new Arctic expedition. Commander Markham and several other officers on board the Alert and Discovery had the advantage of serving under Goodenough; while Mr. C. R, Markham was himself his shipmate at an early part of his career. A good portrait is prefixed to the narrative.
Commodore, J. G. Goodenough.
A Brief Memoir. By Clements R. Markham. (London and Portsmouth: Griffin and Co.)
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Commodore, J. G. Goodenough . Nature 13, 185 (1876). https://doi.org/10.1038/013185b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/013185b0