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Audio from Internet Archive · Logs from the Old Time Radio Researchers. Goldie does not own the recordings.

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← All Cavalcade of America episodes

The Cavalcade of America presented by DuPont. This evening DuPont presents dramatic incidents in the life of one of New England's most illustrious men, the great mathematician Nathaniel Bowditch. Before Bowditch's day, American ship masters had never excelled in navigation. Ships found their way across the ocean with no accurate knowledge of their courses. Bowditch was never satisfied with a superficial study of the problem at hand. The careful precision that he exercised ma…

Transcript

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Synopsis

In The Master Navigator, the Cavalcade of America presents the inspiring story of Nathaniel Bowditch, a mathematician whose early experiences in Salem, Massachusetts, shape his future contributions to navigation. Born on March 26, 1773, Nathaniel's childhood is marked by a painful incident at school where his intelligence is dismissed by a teacher. Accused of cheating after solving an arithmetic problem that even older students could not, Nathaniel learns a bitter lesson about the challenges of being exceptional in a world that often values conformity over brilliance.

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Credits

  • Audio from Internet Archive (OTRR_Cavalcade_of_America_Singles). Curated by OTRR. Goldie does not claim ownership of this broadcast.

CALV_371222_114_The_Master_Navigator.mp3

Cavalcade of America, Episode 114

The Master Navigator

Wednesday, December 22, 1937 · 30:16

Cavalcade of America, Episode 114

The Master Navigator

Wednesday, December 22, 1937 · 30:16

Summary

The episode explores the early life of Nathaniel Bowditch, a brilliant mathematician from Salem, Massachusetts, who strives to improve navigation for American ships. His childhood experiences shape his determination to excel in mathematics and contribute to maritime success.

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That night in history

On the air that night›

  1. Cavalcade of AmericaThe Master NavigatorCurrently listeningEpisode 114
  2. Jerry of the CircusJerry Sells His Land for Seventy Five Hundred DollarsEpisode 128
  3. Lights OutUninhabited (Christmas Story - 1918)Episode 19371222