THE HAMILTON RICE EXPEDITION TO THE PARIMA MOUNTAINS IN BRAZIL; June, 1924 to June, 1925.

Shattuck, George Cheever.

Published by Self published, [1926]., 1926

About this Item

66 pp. First edition; self published; hand bound presentation copy signed by Shattuck on March 16, 1970. Blue cloth with gold lettering stamped down spine; red and white headbands; typed sheets; illustrated with 51 original, black and white photographs; 4 hand-drawn maps. Holographic text with black and white photographs mounted on double weight gray archival paper. Binding tight; boards clean; internally pristine; see additional images provided. This work written c. 1970 from notes and memory by the author, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, 1901. At the time of the expedition, Shattuck was a member of the Dept. Tropical Medicine, Harvard Univ. He was asked by Hamilton ["Ham"] Fish, well-known medical man and explorer, to accompany him on an expedition to Manaus, along with Rice and others, "to make a study of the diseases of the region while he was preparing to explore the Rio Branco to its source." Rice had led other expeditions to South America before, and on this one he mapped the Rio Branco, Uraricuera, and Parima (all different parts of the same river) to its source. Reports of this expedition were written and published by Rice in the Geographical Journal. Very interesting and detailed account, in terms of medicine, indigenous culture, and history. The original photographs, which are the author's own, with typed captions beneath, are fine. A rare work, written late in life by a famous M.D. and medical researcher. Quoting the text, p. 54: "The Chief was a thoughtful-looking man and of intermediate age. Like the other men, he was practically naked. His old mother, who wore a bead apron, was vigorous and downright. One could easily believe that she made the decisions for the Chief. Rightly enough, she regarded us as intruders who would bring no good to her people. Perhaps for this reason the Chief steadfastly refused to sell us food or to permit his people to aid us in any way. Nevertheless, they held a fiesta to which we were invited. After a short time I was bored and returned to camp but Bull and others stayed there for most of the night. Fearing to arouse superstitions which might wreck the expedition, I made no attempt to examine any of the Indians nor did I offer treatment. This is a rare work concerning a medical expedition to the Amazon and the accompanying original photographs make it truly unique. Size: 29 x 22.5 cm. 0.0.

Seller Inventory # 3501

Bibliographic Details

• Title: THE HAMILTON RICE EXPEDITION TO THE PARIMA MOUNTAINS IN BRAZIL; June, 1924 to June, 1925.
• Publisher: Self published, [1926].
• Publication Date: 1926
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition.
• Condition: Fine
• Signed: Signed by Author