The author Karl Martin (full name Johann Karl Ludwig Martin, 1851-1942) was a German geologist and paleontologist who worked in the Netherlands from 1877. He is considered the founder of paleontology in the Netherlands. As a scientist, Martin focused primarily on paleontological and stratigraphic studies of the Quaternary fauna of Dutch India, particularly the Moluccas. Martin's research was mainly based on the fossil collections in the geological museum, which predominantly originated from the Dutch colonies. He expanded this collection through purchases and participation in expeditions to the colonies. To this end, he traveled to Suriname, the Dutch Antilles, and Venezuela at the end of 1884. His travel memoirs on the West Indian Islands are illustrated with 22 black-and-white plates and 1 map. The historical term West Indies derives its name from the fact that Christopher Columbus was actually trying to find the western sea route to 'India' (meaning East Asia) and was never aware during his four voyages that he had discovered a new continent. This was recognized by his competitor, the navigator and cartographer Amerigo Vespucci, after whose Latinized first name the new continent was named America. This is a reprint of the original edition from 1887.