Superior, Tiny, Mountain Height Profile Insets, 1856

JF Ptak Science Books  Post 2446

One of the favorite parts of map reading--especially for 19th century maps--is finding the small, add-on gems of represented data clinging to the sides of the main map, along the margins and in the corners.  Although this map by W. and A.K. Johnstons in itself a fine work of art  and displays some knotty and previously hard-to-com-by data, the two bits at teh bottom of the map just give the overall project a deep lustre.    Alexander Keith Johnston (1804 - 1871) came to this task via the suggestion of Alexander von Humboldt, the results of his own phenomenal research and exploration finding their way into Johnston's atlas.   

• The original map may be purchased via our blog bookstore, here.

This version of "The Mountain Chains of Europe and Asia" is found in the second edition of the Johnston's The Physical Atlas - A series of maps & illustrations of the Geographical Distribution of Natural Phenomena embracing I. Geology II. Hydrography III. Meteorology IV. Natural History, published in 1856 (following the first edition of 1850).  

Each of the small inset measures about 1"x1.5" in the detail of the following:

Notes:

Some contemporary notices on the Johnston Atlas: 

"For the first time, in this country, the principles of graphic representation are here applied to the delineation of the most important facts of external phenomena. Simple but significant symbolical signs have been introduced to an extent, and with an effect, hitherto never contemplated. The contents of the many volumes, formerly the sole depositories of information regarding the different kingdoms of nature, have been condensed and reproduced with a conciseness, precision, completeness, and promptitude of application altogether unattainable by any other agency."--from a longer description for the atlas found at Chest of Books, here.  

"This splendid volume will fill a void long felt in this country, where no work has been attainable presenting the results of the important science of Physical Geography in a distinct and tangible form. "--Forgotten Books (here)