Sailors, Scientists, Spies
The extraordinary lives of Jorge Juan and Antonio Ulloa
© Ken Smith 2012
SAILORS, SCIENTISTS, SPIES describes the lives of two eighteenth century Spanish naval officers. These young men, Jorge Juan and Antonio de Ulloa, first met in 1735 when they were chosen by King Philip V to represent Spanish interests on a French scientific expedition to South America.
At that time, navigation at sea could best be described as an inaccurate science,
largely because of the prevailing uncertainties as to the precise shape and size
of the earth. The aim of the French project was to provide answers for these age-
The experiences of Juan and Ulloa during this nine-
After returning from South America they were sent by Spain to carry out daring spy missions in Britain, France and other European countries, to gather many of the naval and industrial secrets of the nation's old enemies. Both men later went on to have distinguished and sometimes controversial naval careers, but these were eclipsed by their engineering and scientific contributions to the industries of their country and to its navy during the Enlightenment period.
Sailors, Scientists, Spies provides a lively account of the fortunes of two fascinating