Houten plank van een schip van de Oost-Indische Compagnie met zeewormen 1778

This 1778 engraving, created by an anonymous artist, showcases a wooden plank from a Dutch East India Company ship, meticulously documenting the presence of shipworms. The detailed illustration highlights the circular pattern of the shipworm's damage, offering a unique glimpse into the challenges faced by maritime vessels during this era. Shipworms, a type of marine worm, were notorious for their destructive capabilities, and this artwork serves as a testament to the importance of scientific observation in understanding and combating these threats to shipbuilding.