b. January 28, 1807 and d. October 14, 1873

British arctic explorer. In 1850 he began the voyage which secured to him lasting fame as the discoverer of the northwest passage. After his ship was frozen fast, he continued the exploration by sledges until he reached Melville or Barrow’s straits, 1850-1851. This was called the first discovery of the northwest passage. The next season he discovered a second route on the north side of Baring Island. His party returned to England September 28, 1854.

Hence keen incitement prompt the prying mind,
By treacherous fears nor palsied nor confined,
Its curious search embrace the sea, and shore,
And mine and ocean, earth and air, explore.

Thus shall the years proceed-till growing time
Unfold the treasures of each differing clime;
Till one vast brotherhood mankind unite
In equal bands of knowledge and of right;
Then, the proud column, to the smiling skies,
In simple majesty sublime shall rise,
O’er Ignorance Foil’d, their triumph loud proclaim,
And bear inscribed, immortal, Darwin’s name.

—To Dr. Darwin: E. H. Smith

986—Herjulfson was the first Norse discoverer of America.

1498—Sebastian Cabot of England sailed up Davis Strait seeking a northwest passage to China.

1678—Sir Martin Frobisher, while seeking a northwest passage, took possession of the west coast for Queen Elizabeth and called it West England.

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