Catalog Archive
Auction 184, Lot 169

"Reconnoissance Map of the United States Showing the Distribution of the Geologic System So Far as Known... [in] Fourteenth Annual Report of the Director of the Untied States Geological Survey...", U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

Subject: United States, Geology

Period: 1893 (published)

Publication:

Color: Printed Color

Size:
28.2 x 17.5 inches
71.6 x 44.5 cm
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This is part two of the Fourteenth Annual Report of the Geological Survey under the direction of J.W. Powell. This volume features 11 papers including "Potable Waters of Eastern United States" by William McGee, "Natural Mineral Waters of the United States" by A.C. Peale, "The Laccolithic Mountain Groups of Colorado, Utah and Arizona" by Whitman Cross; and "Geology of the Catoctin Belt" by Arthur Keith to name a few. The volume is profusely illustrated by 75 figures, 70 single-page plates, and three folding maps in the rear pocket.

Two of the folding maps are by Peale and both locate and name the numerous mineral waters in the United States. The third map, entitled Reconnoissance Map of the United States Showing the Distribution of the Geologic System So Far as Known (28.2 x 17.5"), is the second geological map of the United States published by the USGS. The legend names and color codes thirteen different geological types in twelve major groups. Compared to the first USGS edition this map presents new geological information in portions of California and the Pacific northwest. But the map continues to show wide areas of unmapped territory in the western U.S., thus continuing the Survey's policy of caution in displaying areas having questionable or incomplete geological data. This approach contrasts sharply with the geological maps of academics such as C.E. Hitchcock, who prepared fully colored maps dating back to the 1870s. On this map the geography of the King, Hayden, Powell and Wheeler surveys are evident in the west.

597 pages. Hardbound in brown cloth with title on spine.

References:

Condition: B+

Maps and plates are very good to near fine with some occasional light toning. Text is lightly toned. Ex-library with stamp on title page (and a few other pages) with bookplate on the front pastedown. Light shelf wear with bumped edges.

Estimate: $300 - $375

Sold for: $150

Closed on 9/15/2021

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