Are you curious to know which active volcano was the tallest in the world? Do you want to compare the lengths of rivers and the height of mountain ranges that existed in the past? This is where an old world map from 1800 can come in handy.
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The Old World Map in the Beginning
Between the years 1849 and 1851, the publisher James Reynolds and topographical engraver and illustrator John Emslie came up with the designs of scientifically-based diagrams. These measured geologic landforms and were featured in Geological Diagrams, a 12-plate book.
During that time, chartmakers played a role in increasing the visibility and accessibility of recent scientific research. They created maps, figures, and illustrations that depict manmade and natural wonders across the globe.
Old world map by Reynolds and Emslie, depicting the distribution of human race around the world.
Reynolds and Emslie took acute scientific details, measurements, and numbers and weaved them into something that is not only easier to understand but is also beautiful to look at. Part informational chart and part art, the pieces are the early scientific infographics that served as the foundations of educational diagrams you see today.
The Maps of the 1800s
Breakthrough scientific discoveries marked the 1800s, including the first-ever observation of planet Neptune and the evolution theories. As early as the start of the 19th century when Alexander von Humboldt developed what is regarded as the first infographics, cartographers and publishers came up with an extensive selection of vivid displays that they used for explaining complex new ideas to the general public.
The publishing business of Reynolds in London printed a significant output throughout his career of 30 years. It was in response to the high demand for data on engineering and scientific developments. The publisher also worked with some engravers and cartographers, with Emslie being among his key collaborators.
The publishing business of Reynolds in London printed a significant output throughout his career of 30 years. Geological Diagrams published in 1851 by Reynolds and Emslie was highly detailed and manually coloured, making it one of their numerous artistic portfolios. The old world maps present the religion, air currents, and distribution of plants.
The two of them worked together to produce an old world map and several infographics. Both of them were also elected to the Royal Geographical Society of England. This was a professional organisation committed to providing accurate geographic and cartographic information. The charm and appeal of their work were made possible by the combination of scientific knowledge, artistic flair, and formal cartographic techniques.
What to See in 1800 Old World Maps
Geological Diagrams published in 1851 by Reynolds and Emslie was highly detailed and manually coloured, making it one of their numerous artistic portfolios. The maps present the religion, air currents, and distribution of plants. Meanwhile, the charts ingeniously showcase major mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and even popular historic buildings.
The panoramic old world map of the principal lakes and rivers, for example, lines up a selection of the major rivers of the world. It visually compared the lengths of the Amazon, Colorado, Nile, and Rhine rivers.
Amazing old world maps
Major cities dot the rivers where they run through. On top of the row of rivers, various lakes such as Lake Erie, Lake Geneva, the Caspian Sea, and the Dead Sea are also compared. It gives you a glimpse of how expansive Turkey’s Black Sea and Russia’s Caspian Sea are from the view.
With an 1800 old world map, you’ll get a glimpse of things that happened in the past that contributed to what the world has become today.
