1856 Geological Map of Europe
By: Alexander K. Johnston
Date: 1856 (published) Edinburgh
Dimensions: 20 x 24 inches (51 x 61 cm)
This beautiful mid 19th century geological map features and names in scientific terminology the geologic ages of various kinds of terrain. The territories covered include Iceland, the British Isles, Anatolia, Europe and the Russian Empire as far east as the Ural Mountains in Siberia. The map was published in the 2nd edition of Johnston's Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena, out of Edinburgh by William Blackwood & Sons in 1856.
While countries, mountain ranges, major rivers and seas are included and named, the focus of the map is the geological formations of the area depicted. To facilitate reading of the map, Johnston included a 'Table of Colours' in the lower left featuring a colour coded scheme matched to the scientific terminology used for naming the eras. Topography is described in terms of its geologic age including groups such as Tertiary, Paleozoic, Igneous, etc., which are then described in terms to name the formations within each group.
Alexander Keith Johnston's Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena was amongst the most comprehensive geographic works of its time to focus on natural science. 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 which discusses in detail the methodology, science, and theory used in the creation of this cartographic work.
Condition: Map is in A condition presenting a attractive and vivid imprint on heavy paper with full margins on all sides. A small separation is apparent at bottom center that does not enter the map image.
Inventory #12556
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