Alexander Dalrymple

From Freepedia

Alexander Dalrymple (July 24, 1737 – June 19, 1808) was a Scottish geographer.

Dalrymple was the first hydrographer of the British Admiralty. He was the brother of Scottish judge and earl,David Dalrymple. He was the main proponent of the theory that there existed a vast undiscovered continent in the South Pacific, Terra Australis Incognita.He produced thousands of nautical charts mapping a remarkable number of seas and oceans for the first time and contributing significantly to the safety of shipping. His theories prompted a number of expeditions in search of this mythical land, until James Cook demonstrated its non-existence on his second voyage in 1772–1775.

Dalrymple published the Historical Collection of the Several Voyages and Discoveries in the South Pacific Ocean in 1770-1771 which aroused widespread interest in the his claim of existence of an unknown continent. This led Captain Cook, to undertake another voyage into the South Pacific . He was bitterly disappointed since it was Captain Cook and not him who was appointed commander of the expedition which eventually led to the discovery of Australia in 1770.