1856 Geographical Distribution of Rodentia and Ruminantia
By: Alexander K. Johnston
Date: 1856 (published) Edinburgh
Dimensions: 20 x 24 inches (51 x 61 cm)
This antique map depicts worldwide geographical distribution of mammals belonging to the classifications of Rodentia and Ruminantia. It is from the second edition of Johnston's Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena, published out of Edinburgh by William Blackwood & Sons in 1856.
Johnston illustrated the map with images of species from these groups. Rodents are mammals of the order Rodentia which are characterized by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in each of the upper and lower jaws. Ruminants include cattle, sheep, antelope, deer, giraffes, and their relatives, all of which have a specialized digestive system which allows them to acquire nutrients from plants. The map depicts the territories and regions inhabited by these groups.
Alexander Keith Johnston's Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena was amongst the most comprehensive geographic works focusing on natural science of its day. Johnston described the motivations and focus of his work in the preface as follows; The object originally contemplated in this work was to present, in a graphic form, a concise yet comprehensive view of the Physical Geography of the Globe, embracing under that term its superficial structure, the movements of its aerial and oceanic currents, and the distribution of organized existence on its surface.
Accompanying the map is the original letterpress description from the atlas the discusses in detail the methodology, science, and theory the went into the cartographic work.
Condition: Map is in A+ condition presenting an attractive and vivid imprint on heavy paper with full margins on all sides. Some light foxing is apparent in the top portion of the map.
Inventory #12579
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