This book is chock-full of info about the 18th Cent. Royal Navy. It answers many questions about the sailors,officers and their living conditions. It explains how the flags of Great Britian evolved and their protocol. One chapter is on 18th century medicine, & the beliefs of that period, plus it contains an excellent glossary of medical terms (41 pages), and one of nautical expressions. For anyone interested in 18th Century Sailing Ships, this book will be a welcome addition to your library.