User:InflatableSupertrooper/Novara Expedition

The Novara Expedition (1857–1859) was the first large-scale scientific, around-the-world mission of the Austrian Imperial navy.

Authorized by Archduke Maximillian, the journey lasted 2 years 3 months, from 30 April 1857 until 30 August 1859.

The expedition was accomplished by the frigate Novara, under the command of Kommodore Bernhard von Wüllerstorf-Urbair, with 345 officers and crew, plus seven (7) scientists aboard. Preparation for the research journey was made by the "Imperial Academy of Sciences in Vienna" and by specialized scholars under direction of the geologist Ferdinand von Hochstetter and the zoologist Georg von Frauenfeld. The first coca plant (cocaine) investigations, in particular on St. Paul Island, the Nicobar Islands, and on New Zealand (first geological mapping by Hochstetter), created the bases for future geological research. The oceanographic research, in particular in the South Pacific, revolutionized oceanography and hydrography.

The collections of botanical, zoological (26,000 preparations), and cultural material brought back enriched the Austrian museums (especially the natural-history museum). They were also studied by Johann Natterer, a scientist who collected Vienna museum specimens during 18 years in South America. The geomagnetic observations made throughout the whole expedition significantly increased the scientific knowledge in this field. Finally, the expedition's introduction of coca plant leaves made it possible to isolate cocaine in its pure form for the first time in 1860.

The results of the research journey were compiled into a 21-binder report of the Viennese Academy of Sciences, titled "Reise der österreichischen Fregatte Novara um die Erde (1861–1876)" ("journey of the Austrian frigate Novara around the earth"). Also published were many woodcuts under the same title (in 3 volumes, by K. Scherzer 1864–1866).

The Novara-Expedition report included a drawing of the frigate SMS Novara surrounded by an oval border with the names of locations visited:
 * Trieste (launched 30 April 1857; returned 26 August 1859)
 * Gibraltar
 * Madeira
 * Rio de Janeiro
 * Cape of Good Hope
 * St. Paul Island
 * Ceylon
 * Madras
 * Nicobar Islands
 * Singapore
 * Batavia
 * Manila
 * Hong Kong
 * Shanghai
 * Puynipet Island
 * Stuart Island (16–17 October 1858)
 * Sydney (5 November 1858)
 * Auckland
 * Tahiti
 * Valparaiso
 * Gravosa

Gibraltar, Madeira, Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, St. Paul island, Ceylon, Madras, Nicobar Islands, Singapore, Batavia, Manila, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Puynipet island, Stewart Island or Stuart Island (16-17 October 1858), Sydney (5 November 1858), Auckland, Tahiti, Valparaíso, Gravosa, and Triest (returning on 26 August 1859).


 * de