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The Voyage of Louis de Freycinet 1817-1820
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Danaïde
Eunice (Mauritius)
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Plectropome
Ponctué (Guam)
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Freycinet’s mission
was to make observations that would allow a more precise determination
of the form of the earth. Scientists had been seeking for some
time to learn to what degree the earth is spherical. The magnetism
of the earth was measured at different locations to help solve
this question. Freycinet calculated the degree of flattening
for each hemisphere and at the equator, and concluded that the
flattening of the Southern Hemisphere does not differ appreciably
from that of the Northern Hemisphere.
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Girelle
Gaimard (Maui)
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The above
three images are from
Voyage Autour du Monde … sur les Corvettes
de S.M. l’Uranie et la Physicienne.
Paris: Pillet Aîné, 1825.
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These specimens
represent the three sites that were most important to the expedition’s
mission in recording the magnetism of the earth: Mauritius, which
lies east of Africa; Guam (between the Philippines and the Marshall
Islands); and Maui in the Hawaiian Islands. The study of natural
history and the collection of specimens were important but secondary
goals.
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Freycinet. Page 1 of 2.
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