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Voyage Was Overpacked And Overfunded
- The Endeavour was a very small bark built for 15 but carried 94 men, two dogs and a goat for an 18-month scientific voyage.
- Joseph Banks paid £10,000 to join and turned the trip into the most expensive scientific project to that date.
Transit Of Venus Drove The Expedition
- The mission's declared scientific aim was to observe the transit of Venus to improve measurements of the solar system and navigation.
- The Royal Society chose Tahiti for its clear view, after Samuel Wallis reported the island as suitable.
Sailors, Surfing, Tattoos And Disease
- Joseph Banks socialised extensively with Tahitians and learned Tahitian while sailors engaged in surfing, tattooing and sexual relationships.
- These encounters spread venereal disease and risked ship integrity through trade for iron and nails.