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Rare early map of the Atlantic Ocean, illustrating the Gulf Stream, from Jonathan Williams' Thermometrical Navigation, being a Series of Experiments and Observations, Tending to Prove that by Ascertaining the Relative Heat of the Sea-Water From Time to Time, The Passage of a Ship Through the Gulph Stream, and From Deep Water into Soundings, May be discovered in Time to avoid Danger.
The map illustrates the Gulf Stream, the tracts of 5 different voyages between Europe and North America, and the water temperature at various points across the Atlantic, which was one the central tenants of Williams' navigational theories in the Atlantic. The map is one of the earliest scientific works to examine the Gulf Stream and its implications on navigation.
Williams work is an important american navigational treatise. His work takes the theories on the Gulf Stream espoused by of Williams' Uncle, Benjamin Franklin, a step farther, by suggesting the possibility of establishing the position of a ship off the dangerous coast of America strictly by water temperature, a useful tool when celestial sightings were unavailable in the stormy North Atlantic. The paper was initially read before the American Philosophical Society and printed in their Transactions.
Benjamin Franklin's grand-nephew, Jonathan Williams, was the son of Jonathan Williams and Grace Harris Williams, daughter of Benjamin Franklin's sister, Anne. Williams along with his brother were sent to London in 1770 to complete their training and make contacts under Franklin's tutelage. Franklin was impressed by his diligence and the two remained close over the years. Williams lived abroad until his return to America with Franklin in 1785. In 1796 he became an associate judge in the court of common pleas, and gained a reputation as a scientist. He worked with his uncle on some of his later experiments. He also contributed to the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, where he served at various times secretary, councillor, and vice-president.
![[Untitled Coast chart of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, with insets of the harbor of Charleston, S.C. and the entrance of the Saint Johns River]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/91737.jpg)
