1851 Black Map or Chart of Comparative Mountains and Rivers

This is a fine example of Adam and Charles Black's 1851 comparative mountains and rivers of the world chart. Charts of this type were first introduced in england around 1823 and became a common feature in atlases throughout the 19th century. The present example is admired as one of the more attractive British examples of the style.

The comparative mountains section, occupying the lower right half of this chart, details the principle mountains of the world. Ranges are color coded to show different continents. There are also extensive notations on volcanic activity, much of which is no doubt influenced by Humboldt. even the Directors' House of Leadhills, the highest inhabited place in Scotland is marked. It is interesting to note that while the style is international, Black has tooled this map to appeal to his British and Scottish client base. Sites of exceptionally interest to the British Islanders, including the 'highest inhabited place in Scotland' and the Convent of St. Gothard, are specifically identified.

The upper left portion of this chart is dominated by the world's greatest rivers. Black attempt not only to express the lengths of the various rivers, but also details regarding their course and sources. Here the Mississippi is identified as the world's greatest river at some 3610 miles, followed by the Amazon at 3130 miles. The Nile comes up a sad fifth at just 2700 miles, though admittedly its full length had yet to be explored.

This map was engraved by George Aikman as plate no. IV for issue in the 1851 edition of Black's General Atlas of the World.