1856 Geographical Distribution of Health and Disease
By: Alexander K. Johnston
Date: 1856 (published) Edinburgh
Dimensions: 20 x 24 inches (51 x 61 cm)
This is an incredible world map that focuses in great detail the distribution of health and disease and its relation to natural phenomena during the mid-19th century. It is from the second edition of Johnston's Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena, published out of Edinburgh by William Blackwood & Sons in 1856.
The map is color coded with relation to the overall health of large regions throughout the world. Of the diseases included in the map Cholera, Leprosy, Small Pox, Dysentery, and Yellow Fever seem to be the most prominent. More localized notes on the severity and timing of these diseases are offered throughout the map.
Inset charts present data on consumption and rheumatism by continent as well as the comparative value of life in different countries, cities, and towns. Another inset maps the fever districts of the United States and West Indies. Other interesting details found within the map include the track of Cholera and separately the British Navy throughout the world, as well as the locations of the hottest and coldest places on Earth during the months of July and January.
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 that discusses in detail the methodology, science, and theory that 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.
Inventory #12586
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