1893 Geological Chart
By: Walter Levi Yaggy
Date: 1893 (published) Chicago, IL
Dimensions: 22.5 x 34.5 inches (57.2 x 87.5 cm)
This is arguably one of the most lovely geological charts ever made. It appeared in the 1893 edition of Levi Walter Yaggy's Geographical Portfolio, which was published as an educational tool for high schools and colleges. The entire portfolio consisted of nine illustrated charts, and maps as well as two movable diagrams of presenting celestial phenomena, all housed in a wooden cloth-wrapped case.
Yaggy's geological chart features a cross section of of the earth where geologic time is illustrated in eons (archaeon), eras (Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic), periods (Cambrian, Triassic, Quaternary, etc.), and epochs (Eocene, Miocene, Pliocene). Additionally, the various types of beds and groups that make up these periods of geologic time are included as are the types of animal fossils that can be found and the varying types of rock and geologic elements (limestone, sandstone, chalk, salt, etc.) The subterranean makeup of geysers and volcanoes are also on display.
One noteworthy strategy employed by Yaggy in his educational charts is the way he would utilize the entire area of a sheet. This is done so in his geologic chart by using formations of birds and a key below to present that four primary cloud groups, Cirrus or Curl Cloud, Cumulus or Day Cloud, Stratus or Fall Cloud, and Nimbus or Rain Cloud.
Chromolithography or Multi-stone Printing
This print and others from Yaggy's Geographical Portfolio were produced using multi-stone chromolithography, a method of color printing by multiple applications of lithographic stones, each using a different color ink. Previously, lithographs were printed in black and white and then colored by hand, often times with watercolor paint. This method was not only more suitable for mass production, but also resulted a much more vibrant image.
Levi Walter Yaggy (1848 - 1912) Was born in Plainfield Illinois to Jacob and Elizabeth Yaggy. He attended Northwestern College in Naperville, Illinois before moving to Chicago where he would found the Great Western Publishing House in 1874. He business would enjoy great success, ultimately expanding to include seventeen branch offices throughout the United States and employing thousands. Yaggy primarily focused on creating maps and educational books and portfolios for high schools and colleges that included "Museum of Antiquity; A Description of Ancient Life...," "The Standard History of All Nations and Races…," and "Yaggy’s Anatomical Study; Presenting the Skeleton, Muscles, Arteries, Veins and Nerves...," among others.
Condition: This print is in B+ condition with a a small area of scratches at bottom center. Margins are full on all sides with no tears or holes.
Inventory #12217
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