Good companion to Book of Naturalists, this biography of four men whose scientific curiosity provides a common bond- retelling of scientific history in exuberant recreation, of pioneering in ideas as well as countries, of men, undaunted by scorn, hostility or danger. He has chosen Charles-Marie de la Condemine of France; Alexander von unboldt of Germany; Charles Robert Darwin of England; Richard Spruce of Yorkshire. Each, in youth, went to the new world, and by their findings, helped change the world's knowledge and thinking. Here are their backgrounds, their expeditions, the valuable contributions they made to the opening up of a new continent.