CHAPTER VII.

Review of the labors, &c., performed by Mr. Bowditch, during these voyages.—Habits while at sea; studies; desire to teach others; kindness to sailors and to the sick.—Discovers errors in a book on navigation.—Origin of “American Practical Navigator;” success of it; industry of Mr. Bowditch upon it.—Investigates higher branches of science.—“Mécanique Céleste.”—Mr. Bowditch reads history.—Learns Spanish, French, and Portuguese languages.—Anecdotes.—Chosen member of American Academy.—Receives honors from Harvard College 99