Arctic and Antarctic exploration including the contributions of physiciansand effects of disease in the polar regions

Ancient mariners consider the northern end of the earth to be an island cal led Thule. During Roman times, this was presumed to be an approximate 6-day sail from Britain. Although not currently geographically identified, Virgil's Georgics make re ferences to thule as both fact and ephemeral concept, under scoring man's f ascination with and need to achieve the "edge of the envelope." Examination of the sagas of polar explorations presents facets of character and fundamental elements of mankind that strive to explore and to achieve the difficult-arguably an essential ingredient in the persona of the neuros urgeon.