1891, The Labrador Coast, Alpheus Spring Packard, M.D.., PH.D.

The Labrador Coast: A Journal of Two Summer Cruises to That Region (1891) by Alpheus Spring Packard is a comprehensive account of his explorations along the Labrador coast during the summers of 1860 and 1864. Packard, an American naturalist and geologist, was among the early scientific explorers of the region. His observations contributed significantly to the understanding of Labrador's geography, geology, and indigenous cultures.

📘 Book Overview

Published by N.D.C. Hodges in New York, the book spans 513 pages and includes illustrations, maps, and photographs that document Packard's journeys and findings. The content is drawn from various sources, including his own expeditions and collaborations with other researchers. Notably, the scientific results, particularly in geology and zoology, were reprinted from the Memoirs of the Boston Society of Natural History (1867). Additionally, chapters I, II, III, and VI were reprinted by permission from the Bulletin of the American Geographical Society (1888), and other chapters appeared in the American Naturalist and Appletons' Journal 

🧭 Significance

Packard's work is a valuable resource for understanding the early scientific exploration of Labrador. His detailed descriptions of the region's physical geography, geology, and natural history provide insights into the environment and the indigenous Eskimo populations of the time. The book also includes notes on the early discovery of Labrador, offering historical context to his observations.