American Practical Navigator: An Epitome of Navigation

by Nathaniel Bowditch

This book was initially published in 1802. It's original author was Nathaniel Bowditch, the illustrious navigator as well as author. Over the years it has been extensively revised. This particular copy is the 9th revision done in 1962. The intent of the original author to provide a compendium of navigational material understandable to the mariner has been consistently followed. However, navigation is not presented as a mechanical process to be followed blindly. Rather, emphasis has been given to the fact that the aids provided by SCIENCE can be used effectively to improve the ART of navigation only if a well-informed person of mature judgment and experience is on hand to interpret information as it becomes available. Thus, the facts needed to perform the mechanics of navigation have been supplemented with additional material intended to help the navigator acquire perspective in meeting the various needs that arise. This 1962 corrected reprint has presented the opportunity to incorporate new and timely information.

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1962

About the author

Nathaniel Bowditch was an early American mathematician remembered for his work on ocean navigation. He is often credited as the founder of modern maritime navigation; his book The New American Practical Navigator, first published in 1802, is still carried on board every commissioned U.S. Naval vessel. In 2001, an elementary and middle school in Salem was named in his honor.

Father of:
Henry Ingersoll Bowditch
Nathaniel Ingersoll Bowditch
and grandfather of:
Henry Pickering Bowditch
Charles Pickering Bowditch