The Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena
Edinburgh, W. & A.K. Johnston, 1856 ('A New and Enlarged Edition')/ 1848.
Large folio (580 × 405 mm), [iv], 139 pages (numbered to 137, plus 31*-32*) with 7 engraved colour illustrations 'inserted into the letterpress' and numerous tables, plus 35 double-page colour maps.
Original half leather and cloth, both lettered and decorated in gilt (the subtitle on the front cover is 'of Natural Phaenomena'), all edges gilt; all leather later renewed, with most of the original leather now mounted over the new work; both leather and cloth a little rubbed, marked and discoloured, with minor signs of wear; inner hinges reinforced with cloth; scattered light foxing; occasional minor signs of use and age; overall, an excellent copy.
One of the earliest colour-printed atlases, and an early example of a thematic one, with sections on Geology and Geography (11 maps), Hydrography (6 maps), Meteorology and Magnetism (6 maps), Botany (2 maps), Natural History (6 maps), and Ethnology and Statistics (4 maps).
Item #127853
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