If you’ve never heard of William Dampier, don’t feel bad. His contributions to science and exploration were minimized when England became a great sea power. The fact he was a pirate didn’t square well with the ideals of British nationalism at the time. Besides, his early contributions and observations were heavily used by other, more reputable, explorers, Scientists, and seaman like Cook, Darwin, and Lord Nelson. While these later men received their due from history, Dampier was the giant on who’s shoulders they stood.
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