# Dr. Clawbonny — The Adventures of Captain Hatteras character guide > Dr. Clawbonny in The Adventures of Captain Hatteras by Jules Verne. **Role:** major **Also known as:** the doctor, Doctor, Poor Clawbonny **First appearance:** 0003-iii-dr-clawbonny ## Snapshot The Forward's cheerful, encyclopedic doctor, who treats frostbite, mutiny, and despair with equal curiosity and a bottomless store of anecdotes. ## Who they are Clawbonny serves as ship's physician, naturalist, cook, and unofficial peacemaker, the one man both Hatteras and the crew genuinely trust. His warmth draws people to him effortlessly — Altamont gravitates toward him before anyone else — and he uses that trust to keep rivalries from igniting. He is no mere comic relief: his ingenuity with food, medicine, and shelter repeatedly keeps the expedition alive. He matters because he is the human counterweight to Hatteras's obsession, the voice insisting that survival and discovery need not be enemies. ## Relationships ### [John Hatteras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/john_hatteras) _friendship_ Dr. Clawbonny is Hatteras's loyal friend and intellectual companion, sharing his Arctic obsession and supporting his quest. ### [Johnson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/johnson) _friendship_ Clawbonny and Johnson share a warm, respectful friendship as shipmates, with Johnson often acting as a steady, experienced ally. ### [Richard Shandon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/richard_shandon) _professional_ Clawbonny and Shandon are colleagues on the expedition, but their relationship is strained by Shandon's growing antagonism toward Hatteras. ### [Altamont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/altamont) _friendship_ Altamont and Clawbonny develop a friendship after initial suspicion, with Clawbonny acting as a mediator between Altamont and Hatteras. ### [Bell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/bell) _friendship_ Bell, the carpenter, shares a friendly and cooperative bond with Dr. Clawbonny, often assisting him during the expedition. ### [Duke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/duke) _friendship_ Clawbonny has a warm, affectionate bond with Duke, Hatteras's loyal dog, often caring for him during the expedition. ### [Simpson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/simpson) _professional_ Clawbonny and Simpson have a professional relationship as expedition members, with Simpson serving as a hunter and guide. ### [James Wall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/james_wall) _professional_ Clawbonny and James Wall have a formal professional relationship, though Wall's antagonism toward Hatteras creates distance. ### [John Hatteras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/john_hatteras) _friendship_ Dr. Clawbonny is Hatteras's loyal friend and intellectual companion, sharing his Arctic obsession and supporting his quest. ### [Johnson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/johnson) _friendship_ Clawbonny and Johnson share a warm, respectful friendship as shipmates, with Johnson often acting as a steady, experienced ally. ### [John Hatteras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/john_hatteras) _friendship_ Dr. Clawbonny is Hatteras's loyal friend and intellectual companion, sharing his Arctic obsession and supporting his quest. ### [Johnson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/johnson) _friendship_ Clawbonny and Johnson share a warm, respectful friendship as shipmates, with Johnson often acting as a steady, experienced ally. ## In the story ### [Part I: The English at the North Pole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/part-i-the-english-at-the-north-pole) The ship's doctor, joins the expedition with enthusiasm and scientific curiosity. ### [An Unexpected Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/ii-an-unexpected-letter) Mentioned in the letter as a crew member who will join at the proper time. ### [Dr. Clawbonny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/iii-dr-clawbonny) A jovial, learned man who joins the expedition after receiving a letter from K. Z., eager for adventure and knowledge. ### [The Dog-Captain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/iv-the-dog-captain) Enthusiastic about the voyage, tries to befriend the dog, and urges Shandon to set sail; present during the letter's delivery. ### [At Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/v-at-sea) Shows his knowledge of Arctic exploration history and his good-natured, curious personality; prepares a puffin for eating and engages in discussions about the mysterious captain. ### [VI: The Great Polar Current](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/vi-the-great-polar-current) Engages in scientific discussion about the polar current, identifies the mahogany tree as evidence of a Northwest Passage, sketches the famous iceberg, and reflects on the history of Arctic exploration. ### [VII: The Entrance of Davis Strait](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/vii-the-entrance-of-davis-strait) Engages in philosophical and practical discussions with Johnson about the voyage, the captain's secrecy, and the polar landscape. ### [The Talk of the Crew](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/viii-the-talk-of-the-crew) Leaves his warm cabin to help the crew, wearing snow-spectacles to protect his eyes. ### [Another Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/ix-another-letter) Theorizes that the captain is already on board; observes wildlife and reflects on Franklin's expedition at Disco. ### [X: Dangerous Sailing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/x-dangerous-sailing) Acts as philologist and interpreter with the Eskimo, studies their habits and commerce, and tries to visit a hut but is too stout. He advises the crew to wear green veils against snow-blindness and accompanies Shandon on the reconnaissance. ### [XI: The Devil’s Thumb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xi-the-devil-s-thumb) The doctor calmly explains the mirage of the Devil's Thumb and the refraction that magnified the dog, but his rational explanations fail to calm the superstitious crew. ### [Captain Hatteras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xii-captain-hatteras) Had corresponded with Hatteras about joining an expedition; present on the Forward and observes the crisis silently. ### [The Captain's Plans](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xiii-the-captain-s-plans) Supports Hatteras's plan, argues with scientific reasoning about isothermal lines and the location of cold poles, and enthusiastically backs the expedition. ### [XIV: The Expeditions in Search of Franklin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xiv-the-expeditions-in-search-of-franklin) Engages in a detailed historical account of Franklin search expeditions; curious about the geography and winds. ### [XV: The Forward Driven Southward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xv-the-forward-driven-southward) Explores the historical sites and collects specimens, but is overruled by Hatteras on leaving a letter at Leopold Harbor. ### [The Magnetic Pole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xvi-the-magnetic-pole) The doctor accompanies Hatteras, reflects on the dangers, and later goes ashore to test the magnetic pole, successfully confirming its location with a declination of 90°. ### [The Fate of Sir John Franklin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xvii-the-fate-of-sir-john-franklin) Narrates the story of Sir John Franklin's expedition to the crew, using his chart to point out locations. ### [XVIII: The Way Northward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xviii-the-way-northward) Befriends Duke and is amused by Bolton's jesting about 'the Sea of Money.' ### [A Whale in Sight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xix-a-whale-in-sight) Observes the storm and whale hunt with scientific curiosity, discusses sea colors with Simpson. ### [XX: Beechey Island](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xx-beechey-island) Explores Beechey Island, collects plants and wildlife, and is moved by the Franklin monument. ### [The Death of Bellot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxi-the-death-of-bellot) The doctor discusses Bellot's death with Johnson, notes the crew's declining health, and takes precautions against scurvy. ### [The First Signs of Mutiny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxii-the-first-signs-of-mutiny) Observes the crew's discontent and discusses loyalty with Johnson; begins acclimating to the cold. ### [Attacked by the Ice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxiii-attacked-by-the-ice) Remains calm during the ice assault, comparing it to a siege; reassures Hatteras with invented confidence about reaching the Pole. ### [Preparations for Wintering](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxiv-preparations-for-wintering) Shares the physicists' explanation of the extreme cold; takes part in ice-cutting, encourages the crew, and advises on diet and hygiene, setting an example with cold baths. ### [One of James Ross’s Foxes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxv-one-of-james-ross-s-foxes) Participates in hunting, discusses natural history, identifies the fox's collar, and observes the meteor shower. ### [The Last Piece of Coal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxvi-the-last-piece-of-coal) Tends to the sick with devotion, tries to maintain morale, and observes the auroras. He remains healthy and advises the crew on enduring the cold. ### [The Great Cold at Christmas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxvii-the-great-cold-at-christmas) The doctor paces in distress during the fuel crisis; he later discovers a passage in Sir Edward Belcher's book about coal deposits and proposes an expedition to find them. ### [Preparations for Departure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxviii-preparations-for-departure) Approves Hatteras's silence; discusses the coal-seeking plan; enrolls himself in the expedition. ### [Across the Ice-Fields](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxix-across-the-ice-fields) Endures the cold and fog, climbs an iceberg to escape a bear, and reflects on the desolate landscape. ### [XXX: The Cairn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxx-the-cairn) Tends to Simpson's scurvy, helps haul the sledge, and examines the cairn; his nose is frostbitten but saved by Bell. ### [The Death of Simpson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxxi-the-death-of-simpson) The doctor tends to Simpson's worsening condition, suffers from ophthalmia, and worries about the implications of encountering survivors from the Porpoise. ### [The Return to the Forward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxxii-the-return-to-the-forward) Approves the return; revives Altamont and cares for him; suffers from the cold and exhaustion. ### [Part II: The Desert of Ice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/part-ii-the-desert-of-ice) Documents the environment and provides scientific observations, maintaining a calm presence. ### [The Doctor's Inventory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/i-the-doctor-s-inventory) Takes inventory of the wreckage, shows resilience and compassion, leads the search for supplies. ### [Altamont's First Words](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/ii-altamont-s-first-words) Advocates for a return south, weighing the dangers; nearly yields to Hatteras's appeals but is recalled to reason by Johnson. ### [III: Seventeen Days of Land Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/iii-seventeen-days-of-land-journey) Interrogates Altamont, provides scientific explanations about ice and snow, and kills a seal for food. ### [IV: The Last Charge of Powder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/iv-the-last-charge-of-powder) Uses his knowledge to create a bullet from frozen mercury, offering a desperate hope for survival. ### [The Seal and the Bear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/v-the-seal-and-the-bear) Assists Hatteras in the hunt and later expresses unease about potential rivalry between Hatteras and Altamont. ### [The Porpoise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/vi-the-porpoise) Takes charge of designing and overseeing the construction of the snow-house; remains optimistic and resourceful. ### [A Discussion About Charts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/vii-a-discussion-about-charts) Acts as peacemaker, suggesting compromises and urging unity; organizes the feast and naming ceremony. ### [Excursion to the North of Victoria Bay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/viii-excursion-to-the-north-of-victoria-bay) Leads the hunting expedition, builds the electric lighthouse, and discusses seal hunting and Eskimo diet. ### [Cold and Heat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/ix-cold-and-heat) The doctor leads a scientific discussion on heat and cold tolerance, sharing historical anecdotes and demonstrating his vast knowledge. ### [X: The Pleasures of Winter-Quarters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/x-the-pleasures-of-winter-quarters) Acts as the soul of the group, reading aloud, instructing, and trying to pacify the rivalry between Hatteras and Altamont. He reflects on the difference between their situation and that of castaways in tropical islands. ### [Disquieting Traces](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xi-disquieting-traces) The doctor understands Hatteras's repugnance but does not sympathize with it; he explores bear tracks with Altamont and Bell and later supports Hatteras's polar ambitions. ### [The Ice Prison](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xii-the-ice-prison) Absent during the siege, exploring Johnson Island; his return is feared to be dangerous. ### [The Mine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xiii-the-mine) Devises and executes the plan to blow up the bears using an electric mine. ### [The Polar Spring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xiv-the-polar-spring) Acts as mediator, convincing Hatteras to accept Altamont's help and the use of the Porpoise's wood; also observes the natural signs of spring. ### [XV: The Northwest Passage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xv-the-northwest-passage) Attempts to mediate the dispute between Hatteras and Altamont, providing historical context on MacClure's expedition. ### [XVI: Northern Arcadia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xvi-northern-arcadia) Observes the halo, plants seeds, notes natural sorrel, advocates for kindness to animals, names the valley 'Northern Arcadia'. ### [Altamont's Revenge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xvii-altamont-s-revenge) Hunts with the party, celebrates the reconciliation, and declares the two men brothers. ### [The Last Preparations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xviii-the-last-preparations) The doctor advises his companions on training for the journey, emphasizing health and preparation, and later evokes touching memories at the evening meal. ### [The Journey Northward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xix-the-journey-northward) Rejoices in Hatteras's happiness and the reconciliation with Altamont; observes and explains natural phenomena like red snow. ### [Footprints on the Snow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xx-footprints-on-the-snow) Philosophical yet vexed by the evidence of other Europeans; examines the footprints and telescope lens, and later takes observations to determine the harbor's position. ### [XXI: The Open Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxi-the-open-sea) Discovers the missing object-glass, realizes the footprints were their own, and marvels at the abundant marine life. ### [The Approach to the Pole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxii-the-approach-to-the-pole) The doctor identifies the distant vapor as a volcano and later explains the luminous phenomenon as a rare atmospheric event. ### [The English Flag](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxiii-the-english-flag) Leads the search for Hatteras, weeps at his presumed loss, and later rejoices at finding him alive; takes observations and writes the discovery document. ### [Polar Cosmography](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxiv-polar-cosmography) Leads the celebratory toast and delivers an enthusiastic scientific discourse on polar geography and physics. ### [Mount Hatteras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxv-mount-hatteras) Anxiously tries to dissuade Hatteras from his dangerous climb and later weeps upon realizing Hatteras has gone mad. ### [Return to the South](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxvi-return-to-the-south) Leads the decision to return south, builds the cairn, and guides the group through the harrowing journey. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxvii-conclusion) Publishes the expedition account 'The English at the North Pole' and cares for the mad Hatteras. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/dr_clawbonny - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters