Kane, ELISHA KENT (1820-1857), an American surgeon, traveler and Arctic explorer. He obtained the degree of M. D. at the University of Pennsylvania in 1842, was attached as surgeon to the American mission to China and afterward visited India, Egypt and Greece. In 1846 he rendered important service as a volunteer in the United States army in Mexico, and in 1850 he joined the Grinnell Expedition, as medical and scientific member, in the unsuccessful search for Sir John Franklin. His observations led him to the belief that there was a large open sea near the pole, and with a view to penetrate it he organized and commanded a second expedition, which left New York in the Advance in May, 1853. He succeeded in getting as far as 78deg 43' north latitude, where he was frozen in for twenty-one months. Finally, being harassed by scurvy and want of provisions, he was obliged to abandon the vessel. A perilous journey of 1300 miles in boats and sledges brought him back to Greenland, and he again reached New York in November, 1855. Much broken in health, he sailed for Cuba to recuperate, but died there. (See NORTH POLAR EXPLORATION.)