lations and the best provisions, there will always be among a
numerous crew, during a long voyage, some casualties more or less
productive of sickness; and that unless there be an intelligent medical
assistant on board, many under the wisest Commander will perish, that
otherwise might have been saved.

[* Viz. The voyage between the Cape of Good Hope and New Zealand.]

These, Gentlemen, are the reflections I had to lay before you on this
interesting subject; and if I have encroached on your time, you will
recollect that much of my discourse hath been employed in explaining some
things but just mentioned by Captain Cook, and in adding other materials,
which I had procured partly from himself, and partly, after his
departure, from those intelligent friends he alludes to in his Paper.
This was my plan; which, as I have now executed, you will please to
return your thanks to those gentlemen, who, on your account, so
cheerfully communicated to me their observations.

As to your acknowledgments to Captain Cook, and your high opinion of his
deserts, you will best testify them by the honourable distinction
suggested by your Council, in presenting him with this medal: for I need
not gather your suffrages, since the attention with which you have
favoured me hath abundantly expressed your approbation. My satisfaction
therefore had been complete, had he himself been present to receive the
honours you now confer upon him. But you are apprized that our brave and
indefatigable Brother is at this instant far removed from us,
anticipating, I may say, your wonted request on these occasions, by
continuing his labours for the advancement of Natural Knowledge, and for
the honour of this Society: as you may be assured, that the object of his
new enterprize is not less great, perhaps still greater than either of
the former.

Allow me then, GENTLEMEN, to deliver this medal, with his unperishing
name engraven upon it, into the hands of one who will be happy to receive
that trust, and to know that this respectable Body never more cordially
nor more meritoriously bestowed that faithful symbol of their esteem and
affection. For if Rome decreed the _Civic Crown_ to him who saved the
life of a single citizen, what wreaths are due to that Man, who, having
himself saved many, perpetuates in your Transactions the means by which
Britain may now, on the most distant voyages, preserve numbers of her
intrepid sons, her Mariners; who, braving every dang