"L'Amerique, Dressee sur les Observations de Mrs. de l'Academie Royale des Sciences, et Suivant les Memoires les Moins Suspects", Bion, Nicolas

This small, fascinating map of the Western Hemisphere was published in L'Usage des Globes Celeste et Terrestre et Des Spheres Suivant les Differens Systaemes du Monde (1751), Bion's treatise on geography, scientific instruments, and the use of globes. Beyond the Strait of Anian, there is an incomplete landmass called Terre de Jesso that stretches to Asia with a note in the region that reads "ce pays est fort Inconu" (this land is little known). The colonies of N. Angleterre, N. Pays Bas, N. Suede, and Virginie are indicated along the east coast. Carolina appears to be a part of the massive Florida territory (or La Plaja) that dominates the southern United States. The Mississippi River empties into the Gulf of Mexico in present-day Texas. West of the Mississippi is a vast New Mexico. California is named, and Santa Fe is the only city identified in the present-day United States. At the center of South America is the mythical lake Xaraies. Fragments of New Zealand and the coast of the mysterious Terres Australes, et Inconnues are shown at bottom. A decorative title cartouche adorns the top right corner.

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Condition: A

A dark impression, issued folding on paper with a bunch of grapes watermark, a hint of offsetting, and a short fold separation in the top blank margin.