Maps Abound
Maps became increasingly widespread throughout the 19th century, thanks in part to the invention of lithography in 1796.
To make a lithograph, an artist draws onto a stone with an oily, ink-receptive crayon or similar substance. The stone is then inked, rinsed, and pressed onto a piece of paper. Prior to the 19th century, mapmakers used engraved copper plates or woodblocks to print their work. These could begin to wear down after a few dozen impressions. Lithography stones, by contrast, can produce hundreds of images, allowing printers to produce more images inexpensively. Maps and atlases became increasingly common features in both educational and domestic settings, with printers recognizing a lucrative market for general users as well as professional navigators.
The World
J. Gellatly, creator1825 MSM1-0608This map comes from a school atlas. Maps became a popular feature of public education, reflecting the prominence and influence of geography as a school subject.
The World in Western and Eastern Hemispheres
Sophia S. Cornell, creator1856MSM 1---0637This map comes from Cornell’s High School Geography, one of several educational textbooks by Sophia S. Cornell. An educator and writer, Cornell published numerous geography texts during the 19th century. While little is known about Cornell today, her achievements remain significant. A unique component to this map is that it is two sided:
Johnson's World, Showing the Distribution of the Characteristic Forest Trees, Principal Useful Plants and Minerals
Alvin Jewett Johnson, creator1870 MSM 1---0738Originally appearing in Johnson’s Family Atlas, this map denotes climate zones. It also features inset maps plotting the locations of diamond, coal, and metal deposits. Given the monetary value attached to such resources, this map presents a decidedly economic interpretation of the natural world.
