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On 4 June 1629, the Batavia , pride of the Dutch East India Company Fleet, was wrecked on her maiden voyage in a seemingly empty expanse of the Indian Ocean. The question "how did this happen?" led to 300 years of investigation by those curious to solve the enigma: what are corals and how are coral reefs formed?.

Relying heavily on primary source material Part 1 traces the sequential evolution of scientific thought and practice as the author explores the way this evolution is reflected in the search for understanding corals. At each stage, answers lead to fresh questions that challenge investigators to solve the riddle and new branches of science emerge. Then, with the first enigma finally understood, a new enigma arose. Why are Reefs dying? Part 2 traces the range of problems that have emerged in the past 50 years as marine, ecological, reef and climate scientists attempt to put the pieces of the jigsaw together. Is there a new "canary in the coal mine" warning of the fate of the world as we know it if man´s impact on his environment continues unchecked?.

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PART 1: THE NATURAL HISTORY QUEST, 1600-1900

1. The coral reef enigma

2.The scientific revolution of the 17 th century

3. Discovery of the polyp

4. Origin and structure of coral reefs

5.The era of intensive investigation, 1788-1857

6. Embryos, archetypes and evolution

7. Darwinism: the new driving force in biology

8. Reef construction and symbionts

PART 2: A NEW ERA IN REEF SCIENCE

9. Field studies and taxonomic revision, 1901-1940

10. Ecosystem analysis and nuclear technology

11. A changing global environment: international response

12. Climate anomalies and the El Ni¤o phenomenon

13. Bioturbation: unpredictable expansion

14. A new enigma: deciphering the synergism

15. Climate change and the future of reefs

16. Coral reefs in an uncertain world: the Anthropocene Epoch

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"How long will the coral reefs of the world be alive? Australian ecologist James Bowen ... attempted to answer this question through a historical study of how knowledge of reefs and reef creatures has progressed. ... Those interested in coral reefs will find the Bowen volume extremely useful. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals; general readers." (L. T. Spencer, Choice, Vol. 52 (12), August, 2015)

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