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Rare 2-sheet map of the Volcanic regions of Ecuador, published Leipzig in 1897.
The map, titled Das Vulkangebiet von Ecuador ("The Volcanic Region of Ecuador"), is a geological and topographical representation accompanying the work Die Vulkanberge von Ecuador by Alphons Stübel. Published in 1897, it was based on measurements, sketches, and mapping conducted between 1870 and 1874. The map was designed and drawn by Theodor Wolf, a noted geologist and cartographer.
The map provides a meticulous depiction of Ecuador's central volcanic region, emphasizing the Andean Cordillera's geological and topographical characteristics. Rendered at a scale of 1:250,000, it illustrates significant volcanic features, including Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Antisana, and Altar, among others. The map employs elevation markers in meters to indicate altitudes, with a particular focus on volcanic peaks, valleys, rivers, and lava flows. The shading and relief technique effectively convey the rugged Andean terrain.
This map reflects the collaborative work of 19th-century European scientists exploring South America. Stübel and Wolf's investigations aimed to document the geological structure and activity of Ecuador's volcanoes, forming part of a broader scientific endeavor to understand the Earth's volcanic activity. The accompanying explanatory notes provide a key to the symbols used, such as recent lava flows, settlements, and triangulation points from earlier French geodetic surveys.
While Stübel's book appears on occasion, the two sheet map is virtually always missing.
Moritz Alphons Stübel was a German geologist and naturalist renowned for his extensive contributions to the geological and cultural understanding of South America and the Middle East during the 19th century. Born on July 26, 1835, in Leipzig, he studied chemistry and mineralogy at the University of Leipzig, which laid the foundation for his pioneering work in geology, volcanology, and ethnography.
Between 1868 and 1874, Stübel partnered with fellow German geologist Wilhelm Reiss (1838–1908) to conduct extensive geological and volcanological research in the Andes, focusing on Colombia and Ecuador. Their collaborative studies, which included surveying volcanic activity and geological formations, marked a significant advancement in the understanding of the region's natural history. Following their work in Colombia and Ecuador, the two scientists expanded their research into Peru and Brazil. Reiss returned to Germany in 1876, while Stübel continued his travels across South America, visiting Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia before returning to Germany in August 1877.
In addition to geological investigations, Stübel's South American expeditions encompassed astronomical measurements, meteorological studies, and ethnographical, zoological, and archaeological research. He meticulously documented his findings through photographs, sketches, and collections of artifacts and specimens. Among his contributions to zoology, numerous butterfly species he collected were identified as new to science, later described by German entomologists Gustav Weymer and Peter Maassen. Much of his collected material, including geological and cultural artifacts, was preserved at the Museum of Comparative Cultures in Leipzig.
Stübel's interests extended beyond South America. Between 1858 and 1890, he undertook several journeys to the Middle East, focusing on Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Egypt. During these travels, he amassed a collection of approximately 600 large-format photographs that provided a rare visual record of the region during the mid-19th century. These images, along with other materials, were later donated by his nephew Bruno Stübel to the University of Jena, forming the foundation of the Alphons-Stübel Collection of Early Photographs of the Middle East 1850–1890.
Stübel’s dedication to documenting his explorations through photographs and sketches has ensured the preservation of valuable historical and scientific records. A digital archive of his work is held at the Leibniz-Institut für Länderkunde, where it continues to serve as an important resource for researchers.
Franz Theodor Wolf was a German naturalist, geologist, and botanist renowned for his pioneering studies of the Galápagos Islands and mainland Ecuador during the late 19th century. Born on February 13, 1841, Wolf emerged as a central figure in the scientific exploration of South America, contributing significantly to geology and botany.
Wolf's visit to the Galápagos Islands culminated in the publication of his influential work, Ein Besuch der Galápagos-Inseln ("A Visit to the Galápagos Islands"), in 1892. This text, part of his Sammlung von Vorträgen für das deutsche Volk ("Collection of Presentations for the German People"), documented not only the geology and ecology of the islands but also provided valuable observations of the human populations residing there. His geological interpretations, which remain foundational, described the islands as the exposed summits of oceanic volcanoes, distinct in composition from the volcanic ranges of South America.
Wolf was one of the leading figures of Ecuador’s "Golden Age of Botany," a scientific renaissance initiated in 1870 by Ecuadorian President Gabriel García Moreno. This period saw the recruitment of German Jesuit scientists to advance research and education at the National Polytechnic School and the Quito Astronomical Observatory. Alongside astronomers Juan Bautista Menten, José Kolberg, José Epping, and botanists Luis Sodiro and Luis Dressel, Wolf played an integral role in shaping Ecuador’s scientific institutions.
Beyond the Galápagos, Wolf conducted an extensive geological survey of mainland Ecuador, though much of his collected material was unfortunately lost in storage. Despite this setback, his work laid the groundwork for future geological and botanical research in the region.
As a botanist, Wolf contributed to the classification of numerous species, particularly within the genus Potentilla. His meticulous observations enriched the understanding of plant biodiversity in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted scientist.
![[Guayaquil & Puna Island, Ecuador]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/109628.jpg)
