1856 Distribution of Heat Over the Globe
By: Alexander K. Johnston
Date: 1856 (published) Edinburgh
Dimensions: 20 x 24 inches (51 x 61 cm)
This antique map was designed to represent the range of temperatures world wide. It was published in the 2nd edition of Johnston's Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena, out of Edinburgh by William Blackwood & Sons in 1856.
Johnston used isothermal curves and colour coding to depict global mean temperatures in January and July. Temperatures are shown for continents and oceans. Images of the globe are frontal from west to east, and from vantage points above the north and south poles depicting the hemispheres.
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.
Inventory #12569
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