Here's what we know:
* Ancient Origins: The concept of keeping records is very old. Ancient seafaring civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans likely used rudimentary forms of log books to track voyages, weather, and other important information.
* Medieval Development: During the Middle Ages, European explorers and navigators started using more structured log books, often with standardized entries. This was crucial for navigating, charting new territories, and recording valuable information.
* The Age of Exploration: The Age of Exploration (15th-18th centuries) saw the development of more sophisticated log books, with detailed entries on navigation, ship's condition, cargo, crew, and encounters. These documents were essential for understanding the world and navigating vast oceans.
Therefore, it's more accurate to say that log books evolved over centuries, with contributions from various cultures and individuals.
It's important to note that specific individuals might have developed specific innovations within log books, but attributing their invention to a single person would be inaccurate.