COOK, JAMES

(1728-79), Eng. navigator; apprenticed to shipowners of Whitby; entered navy, 1755; lieut. of Endeavor, which sailed for S. Pacific, 1768; explored coasts of New Zealand and Eastern Australia, of which he took po e ion in name of Britain, naming New South Wales; returned by Oape of Good Hope; sent out as commander of Resolution, 1772; marvelous voyage of discovery, in which old idea of southern continent was destroyed, and anti - scorbutic precautions prevented usual heavy death-roll of expedition; slain on last voyage (1776-79).