The two log books, flag, a map and a few other papers are handsomely housed in a custom-made half calf and marbled boards folding case.
Log books kept by scientist Francis Crick, co-discoverer of the structure of the DNA molecule, for several voyages made through the Greek islands aboard his Bertram powerboat "Eye of Heaven," which he purchased in 1966.
Provenance: Samuel Hessel.
Crick kept at least two nautical logs for his new boat, one for the year 1966 and the second for 1968 through 1971. The earlier of the two spans June 29 through August 20, 1966. At the beginning of the log, Crick has included the serial numbers for the port and starboard engines as well as the boat's insurance information and fuel calculations (with records on fuel consumption scattered throughout). Beginning on June 29, the Cricks arrived at Bari, Italy, and began their journey through the islands of Greece, ending at the city of Piraeus, Greece, where they left the boat. In his logs, he has included arrival and departure times, weather conditions, maintenance to the ship, positions while at sea, supplies purchased, and activities of the day while on land. The book has some light wear, the front board and spine cover is detached from the textblock, but is still attached to the rear board. Pages are toned with scattered spots of foxing.
The second log picks up two years later on May 5, 1968, and contains details of three separate trips for the years 1968, 1969, and 1971. Each is a similar trip around the Greek Islands and contains information similar to that found in the 1966 log. After the last entry, dated June 8, 1971, Crick has taken an inventory of supplies pulled off the boat and boxed up which he has "...taken to Zeis factory, more or less nailed up...[with] eye of Heaven, Crick, 1971 in big letters on side of each box." He has also compiled a second inventory of items he has left onboard. Found at the end of the log is a list of tools and spare parts found onboard, a list of repairs made, and various other notes. Spine is cocked and pages are lightly toned.
The maritime flag, or pennant, used on the Eye of Heaven, measures approximately 22.5" x 11". This British red ensign features a red field with a Union Jack canton with attached naval cord. Heavily faded with some soiling, the flag is damaged along the upper edge and has two large holes on the red field near the middle. Also present is a map of the Balkans from National Geographic, 1962; a brochure for Kalymnos, Greece; two receipts or travel documents in Greek; and a few other items.