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The Highly Sought-After Fossil Map of the British Isles.
The Geological & Palaeontological Map of the British Islands, produced by W. & A.K. Johnston in conjunction with William Blackwood & Sons in London and Edinburgh in 1854, serves as an intricate lithographic representation of the geological and palaeontological facets of the British Isles. This map, rendered across two sheets, uses meticulous coloring to denote the specific fossils that can be located in various regions, and is further embellished with an inset of the Shetland Islands, tables, notes, and scientific illustrations of various fossils including "Palaeozoic Fishes," "Tertiary & Post Tertiary Mammalia," "Secondary Reptiles," and representative groupings of Ammonites.
The mid-19th century marked a burgeoning interest in geology and paleontology, culminating in significant advancements in the study of the Earth's history. The Victorian era witnessed both the consolidation of stratigraphic geology and the evolution debate following Darwin's seminal work On the Origin of Species, which had appeared two years before this map was produced. This map offers a snapshot into this transformative period, documenting the geological strata of the British Isles and the associated fossil findings, from the older Paleozoic era to the younger Tertiary period.
Complementing the geological insights are the annotations scattered across the map, detailing the specific fossils and strata discovered in various locations. These annotations, paired with the comprehensive reference table, serve as a guide to the various symbols, colors, and depth zones of the sea and a testament to the depth and breadth of scientific understanding during this era. The illustrations, ranging from detailed representations of Ammonites to depictions of mammalian bones, further solidify the map's significance as a repository of 19th-century paleontological knowledge.
Incorporating both geological and paleontological findings, this map stands as a testament to the scientific rigor and curiosity of its time. The intertwining of these disciplines provides a holistic understanding of the British Isles' vast and varied history, from its geological formations to the ancient life forms that once inhabited its landscapes.
![[ Locomotive ]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/85309.jpg)
