Geological Map of South American Mountains and Valleys by A.K. Johnston, 1852

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Geological Map of South America by A.K. Johnston – Mountains and Valleys 1852 This antique map titled "The Mountains, Table … Read more Geological Map of South America by A.K. Johnston – Mountains and Valleys 1852 This antique map titled "The Mountains, Table Lands, Plains & Valleys of South America" was produced by Alexander Keith Johnston and published in 1852 by William Blackwood & Sons in Edinburgh and London. It is Plate 9 from Johnston’s groundbreaking work *The Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena*, a pioneering 19th-century publication that helped popularize thematic mapping and scientific cartography. The map provides a physical representation of South America’s terrain, highlighting the dramatic topography of the Andes Mountains along the continent’s Pacific coast and the vast lowlands of the Amazon and La Plata river basins. Using subtle hand coloring, the map distinguishes mountain ranges, highland plateaus, valleys, and plains, rather than political borders. Light tan indicates elevated regions, green is used for valleys and lowland areas, while blue lines trace major rivers and coastlines. Key natural features are clearly labeled, including the Cordillera of the Andes, the Brazilian Highlands, the Pampas, Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego. The Amazon River and its tributaries dominate the northern interior, while a small inset diagram at lower right provides a vertical section showing comparative mountain heights across the continent from the Pacific to the Atlantic. This map is of special interest due to its emphasis on natural geography over colonial divisions, which was a progressive perspective for the time. Johnston’s work sought to explain the physical world through data visualization, making it useful not only to geographers and scientists, but also to educators, students, and policymakers of the mid-19th century. Alexander Keith Johnston (1804–1871), Geographer in Ordinary to Queen Victoria in Scotland, was renowned for his clarity, scientific rigor, and contribution to thematic mapping. His *Physical Atlas* is widely considered one of the most important scientific atlases ever published. Condition and framing tips: Very good condition with only minor age toning and faint foxing near the edges. The printed area remains clean and sharp. Frame with a warm wood or black frame and use a cream, pale green, or light blue mat to enhance the natural hues and fine linework. Ideal for display in a study, office, or educational setting. See less