1856 The Physical Features of North and South America
By: Alexander K. Johnston
Date: 1856 (published) Edinburgh
Dimensions: 20 x 24 inches (51 x 61 cm)
This is a beautiful antique topographic and geologic map of North and South America. 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.
The map's full title is The Physical Features of North & South America showing the Mountains, Table-Lands, Plains, and Slopes. Multiple insets include the Island of Trinidad, the Table Island of Quito, the Andes of Bolivia, the Volcano of Jorullo, a Geological Section Across the Appalachian Chain from the Delaware Bay to Lake Ontario through the Center of Pennsylvania, and Geological Section Across America from Trinidad Bay to the Chesapeake Bay. Much additional information is included at the bottom of the map where geological sections of various geographic locations is illustrated and described in detail.
Alexander Keith Johnston's Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena was the most comprehensive geographic work 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 used in the making of such cartographic work.
Condition: Map is in A+ condition presenting a attractive and vivid imprint on heavy paper with full margins on all sides. Some light soiling exists along the top margin.
Inventory #12558
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622