CHAPTER LXXII. “HEREIN ARE THE GOOD ORDINANCES OF THE SEA, WHICH WISE MEN, WHO VOYAGED ROUND THE WORLD, GAVE TO OUR ANCESTORS, AND WHICH CONSTITUTE THE BOOKS OF THE SCIENCE OF GOOD CUSTOMS.”—_The Consulate of the Sea_.

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# CHAPTER LXXII. “HEREIN ARE THE GOOD ORDINANCES OF THE SEA, WHICH WISE MEN, WHO VOYAGED ROUND THE WORLD, GAVE TO OUR ANCESTORS, AND WHICH CONSTITUTE THE BOOKS OF THE SCIENCE OF GOOD CUSTOMS.”—_The Consulate of the Sea_. ## Overview This entity is a chapter from the novel "White-Jacket." It spans from line 11459 to 11672 and is part of the "Melville Complete Works" collection, extracted from the file "white_jacket.txt." ## Context Chapter LXXII is situated within the novel [White-Jacket](arke:01KG8AJ89Z18FKVJV5H0488ZAZ), a work by Herman Melville that details life aboard a man-of-war. This chapter follows [CHAPTER LXXI. THE GENEALOGY OF THE ARTICLES OF WAR.](arke:01KG8AJV9W49ESEAA6BQCXVJKH) and precedes [CHAPTER LXXIII. NIGHT AND DAY GAMBLING IN A MAN-OF-WAR.](arke:01KG8AJVA0MGBK23WN4PS84AQ6). The novel itself is part of the larger [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW) collection. ## Contents This chapter critically examines the application and enforcement of naval law, particularly the Articles of War, within the American Navy. It contrasts the strict application of laws pertaining to sailors with the often-lax enforcement of those applicable to officers, highlighting instances of perceived hypocrisy and oppression. The chapter references historical maritime codes, such as the Roman and Rhodian ordinances, and the "Consulate of the Sea," suggesting that ancient maritime laws were more equitable. It argues that the arbitrary nature of naval law, especially during peacetime, and the lack of recourse for sailors who feel aggrieved, contribute to the moral degradation of the crew and are a consequence of unjust and despotic governance. The chapter includes four distinct chunks of text that delve into these themes.

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CHAPTER LXXII. “HEREIN ARE THE GOOD ORDINANCES OF THE SEA, WHICH WISE MEN, WHO VOYAGED ROUND THE WORLD, GAVE TO OUR ANCESTORS, AND WHICH CONSTITUTE THE BOOKS OF THE SCIENCE OF GOOD CUSTOMS.”—_The Consulate of the Sea_.

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CHAPTER LXXII. “HEREIN ARE THE GOOD ORDINANCES OF THE SEA, WHICH WISE MEN, WHO VOYAGED ROUND THE WORLD, GAVE TO OUR ANCESTORS, AND WHICH CONSTITUTE THE BOOKS OF THE SCIENCE OF GOOD CUSTOMS.”—_The Consulate of the Sea_.