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[Whale Chart]

[More Information]

About the Whale Chart

The Whale Chart reproduction featured on our site was conceived and developed by Lieutenant Matthew Fontaine Maury and his team. This chart is actually one of three known different types of whale charts created by Maury and his team. The whale charts in turn, are one of a six part series of charts (series F) published by Maury as the Wind and Current Chart series.

The three know types of whale charts are:

  • A spreadsheet-like chart divided into multiple sheets that contains a log of where and when right and sperm whales have been seen based on the log books.
  • A large map called A Chart Showing the Favorite Resort of the Sperm and Right Whale. This map shows the range of sperm and right whales using two colors superimposed over a map of the world.
  • The Whale Chart Preliminary Sketch which shows the specific distribution of sperm and right whales across a map of the world.

According to Maury:
"The primary objective of the Wind and Current Charts out of which has grown the Treatise on the Physical Geography of the Sea, was to collect the experience of every navigator as to the winds and currents of the ocean, to discuss his observations upon them, and then to present the world with the results on charts for the improvement of navigation."

The six types of charts produced in the series were:

  • Series A: Track Charts
  • Series B: Trade Wind Charts
  • Series C: Pilot Charts
  • Series D: Thermal Charts
  • Series E: Storm and Rain Charts
  • Series F: Whale Charts
From Captain McKenzie to Lieut. Maury. New Bedford, October 20th 1851.
"The Whale Chart is a precious jewel; it seems to have waked up the merchants and masters to the practical utility of your researches in their behalf; there is not, and cannot be one opinion, and that highly favorable: it is sought for by all interested in whaling.

All of our Arctic fleet, after passing Cape Horn, touch at the Sandwich Islands for recruits; hence you will notice, that on a course direct, they would pass over an immense region of almost barren ground. But (as I tell them all) with the Whale Chart before the, they would have the united experience of more than fifty years,as to the whereabouts, and probably locality of whales."


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