A key source for all interested in the Pacific and unavailable except on sites like this (unless you have A$21000 to spare -one copy is currently on sale at that price). Main value is its translation of early texts and its description of Sulu pearl fishery. The theories it espouses - with the benefit of hindsight - will appear ridiculous: the Great Southern Continent (which does not exist) but the importance of this idea in Pacific exploration is made plain. Fascinating read of first contact (almost always with a bad ending)..Dalrymple was a great worker (as his compilation here indicates) but ultimately died a disappointed man.