From conquest to curiosity

For centuries, explorers were funded by governments and private investors to venture into unknown parts of the world. Many of these expeditions were motivated by the pursuit of profit, resources, and strategic advantage. Some aimed to secure new trade routes or military positions, while others sought to spread religious influence.

During the Enlightenment, exploration increasingly became a scientific endeavour. Voyages were not only about discovering new lands—they were also about learning from them.

Scientific progress and safer travel

By the 18th century, sea travel had become safer and more efficient due to:

• Advances in navigation and cartography
• Improved understanding of disease prevention, such as scurvy
• Better ship design and provisioning

This allowed ships to sail further, faster and with reduced morbidity and mortality of its crew.

A race for knowledge

Between 1765 and 1795, the major European powers—Britain, France, Russia and Spain—launched more than 20 scientific voyages. These expeditions were part of a broader intellectual competition to chart and understand the world.

Scientific impact

Many Enlightenment-era voyages included:

• Scientists
• Doctors
• Cartographers
• Naturalists
• Botanists 

These experts conducted meteorological, hydrological and geographical observations. They collected specimens of flora and fauna, contributing to major advances in:

• Botany
• Conchology
• Geology
• Ichthyology
• Medicine
• Meteorology
• Mineralogy
• Oceanography
• Physics
• Taxonomy
• Zoology