In the mid 18th century, a European expedition spent nearly a decade in Ecuador, scaling volcanoes and traversing jungles to establish the true shape of the earth by measuring the length of three degrees latitude at the equator. This intriguing tale from geographer Nicholas Crane clarifies the scientific ramifications of the French Geodesic Mission; they not only revolutionized geography and navigation and established the precursor to the meter, they also learned the sources of rubber and quinine.

"A narrative that often reads like an adventure novel…. A fascinating account of an overlooked scientific endeavor."—Kirkus Reviews