The cruise of the `Gipsy' : the journal of John Wilson, surgeon on a whaling voyage to the Pacific Ocean 1839-1843

Wilson joined the London-based whaleship Gipsy in 1839, within three months of obtaining his LSA (Licence of the Society of Apothocaries) and at a time when there was said to be an oversupply of medical practitioners. Following the voyage, Wilson qualified as MRCS (Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons) and set up in general practice in London. Wilson's journal provides details of the voyage as well as details of everyday life on board and his entries are accompanied by drawings and sketches. His descriptions include those of places visited, the people encountered, the crew and their movements, supplies and medical treatments as well as whaling itself.