1856 Geographical Distribution of the Currents of Air
By: Alexander K. Johnston
Date: 1856 (published) Edinburgh
Dimensions: 20 x 24 inches (51 x 61 cm)
This spectacular A.K. Johnston map focuses on global wind patterns. 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 makes a stunning visual impact, and the information it provides about global winds is close to encyclopedic. The full title, Geographical distribution of the currents of air, showing the regions of the trade winds, variable winds and hurricanes, with their effects in determining the different tracks of navigation by A.K. Johnston, F.R.S.E., hints at its contents.
In addition to illustrating overall macro wind patterns for the planet, it also looks at some of the hurricanes which, at that time, had ravaged the Caribbean and US, as well as those that had battered the Indian Ocean and southeastern Africa. Two large insets deal with these major hurricanes that swept through during the early 19th century. Regions which experience monsoons are noted.
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 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 #12570
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