George Finlayson (1790-1823) accompanied John Crawfurd as surgeon and naturalist on his mission to Siam and Cochin China from 1821-1822. This book was published after his death, edited from the journal which he kept during the mission, and includes a prefatory memoir of the author by Sir Stamford Raffles. Finalyson arrived in Singapore on 20 January 1822, and in his journal provides detailed descriptions of Singapore's geography, weather and ecology. He also gives observations on the social life of various communities in Singapore - the Chinese, Malay, Orang Laut, and "Chuliah".
