Oceans have had a mysterious allure for centuries, inspiring fears, myths, and poetic imaginations. By the early twentieth century, however, scientists began to see oceans as physical phenomena that could be understood through mathematical geophysics. The Fluid Envelope of Our Planet explores the scientific developments from the early middle ages to the twentieth century that illuminated the once murky depths of oceanography.

Tracing the transition from descriptive to mathematical analyses of the oceans, Eric Mills examines sailors' and explorers' observations of the oceans, the influence of Scandinavian techniques on German-speaking geographers, and the eventual development of shared quantitative practices and ideas. A detailed and beautifully written account of the history of oceanography, The Fluid Envelope of Our Planet is also an engaging account of the emergence of a scientific discipline.

Eric L. Mills is a professor emeritus in the Department of Oceanography at Dalhousie University and former director of the History of Science andTechnology Program at the University of Kingâ??s College. He is the winner of the Jehuda Neumann Memorial Prize for the History of Meteorology and Physical Oceanography from the Royal Meteorological Society.

Eric L. Mills' profile page

• Winner, John Lyman Prize in Science and Technology awarded by the North American Society for Oceanic History
• Commended, Wallace K. Ferguson Prize awarded by Canadian Historical Association
• Winner, Keith Matthews Award for Best Book awarded by Canadian Nautical Research Society

‘A page-turning history of physical oceanography ... Mills articulates the development of ideas, but he also delves into the background, motivation, and character of the leading actors in what is a compelling story that unfolds page by page ... To all of you interested in the development of ideas in oceanography: please read this book, you will learn, as I did, and in many places you will turn the pages as if it were a thriller.’

Gwyn Griffiths <em>Ocean Challenge</em>

‘A finely crafted, thoroughly researched, well written, and rewarding study… Mills has made here a strong and vital contribution to our understanding of the rise of the modern physical environmental sciences.’

Ronald Doel: <em>ISIS, vol102:01:2011</em>

‘This book, with its thorough, well-presented research, offers detailed insights into the history of major theories in physical oceanography. The work builds a complete view of the ideas, theories, and conflicts inherent in the birth of a new science … The work is well written and includes an extensive list of reference … Highly recommended.’

N.W. Hinman <em>Choice</em>

‘It is a fascinating account of what went before and got us to where we are today in our understanding of the circulation of the ocean and all that this means to marine biology, marine chemistry and the many practical applications of what we now know as physical oceanography.’

Colin Summerhayes, <em>International Journal of Maritime History: vol22:02:10</em>