1856 Geological Map of the United States and British North America
By: Alexander K. Johnston
Date: 1856 (published) Edinburgh
Dimensions: 20 x 24 inches (51 x 61 cm)
This is an early geologic map of the United States and Canada, the latter labeled here as "British North America." The map 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 provides detailed information regarding geologic eras and their topographic distribution throughout much of North America. Johnston used a range of colours to denote formations and a detailed chart for understanding his coding. His work was based on the most recent scientific reports of the day.
Alexander Keith Johnston's Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena was amongst the most comprehensive geographic works focusing on natural science of its time. 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 creation 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 faint offsetting is apparent around the title.
Inventory #12559
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