Between 1881 and 1883, Johan Adrian Jacobsen journeyed along the coast of British Columbia and Alaska to collect Indian artifacts for the Berlin Museum. This account of his adventures is based on his notes, diary, and sketches and was first published in German in 1884 by Adrian Voldt.
This is an exciting portrayal of life on the frontier at the end of the 19th century by an astute observer who describes not only the natives but also the Europeans with whom he came in contact. Travel at that time was extremely hazardous, and on several occasions Jacobsen almost lost his life while making his way by small boats along the coast of Vancouver Island.
Of particular interest to physicians are his descriptions of illnesses and injuries that he observed and the manner in which they were handled both by Indian medicine men and by Europeans. The book is illustrated with