1875 Comparative Wall Map / Chart of Mountains and Waterfalls

A most impressive and unusual c. 1875 Spanish comparative chart of the world's tallest mountains and waterfalls. Such charts became popular in the 19th century, largely in response to the natural history innovations of Alexander von Humboldt (1769 - 1859). Naturalists and armchair explorers were fascinated by the extremes of nature - and the ability of humans to penetrate those realms (note the ballooning feats).

Mountains and Waterfalls So High

The comparative mountains section, occupying the lower half of this chart, details the principal mountains of the world. Ranges are color coded to show different types of vegetation. The elevations of important cities including Paris, Rome, London, Geneva, Mexico, Bogota, and Quito, among others, are noted. There are also extensive notations on vegetation, volcanic activity, and lichen, much of which is no doubt influenced by Humboldt. Notes curiosities that would have been relevant at the time, such as heights that could be achieved by certain high-flying vultures and condors, and the ballooning feats of aeronauts Joseph L. Gay-Lussac (23,000 ft), Carlo de Brioschi (23,250 ft), Gaston Tisandier (28,000 ft), Eugene Robertson (24,600 ft), and James Glaisher (36,000 ft).

The tallest waterfall is identified as 'Houka Hiva-Mendana', an archaic term of the Vaipo Waterfall (1,148 ft) located in the Marquesas. The great waterfalls of the Americas (particularly Angel Falls in Venezuela) would not be discovered until the 20th century.

Currents and Plant Zones

The chart includes a supplementary thematic world map in the upper quadrants detailing global botanical zones, ocean currents, and isothermal lines - all derived heavily form Humboldt.

A Missing Piece

This appears to be the right panel of a large wall-sized comparative mountains chart - the size and majesty of which we have not previously seen. We have been able to trace no other examples, either partial or complete, meaning this is now a singular stand-alone remnant.

Dating

The map is undated, but some of the content, as well as the printing style pin, it to the late 19th century, after 1875 but before 1885. The latest event on the map appears to be the 1875 ballooning feat of Gaston Tisandier. The chart also erroneously names Kangchenjunga as the world's tallest mountain, marking it as considerably out of date at least in some respects - Everest was declared the highest peak in the world in 1856.

Publication History and Census

This is the only known example. The map is a 5-color chromolithograph with additional hand color in red applied to represent volcanoes. Likely issued between 1875 and 1880, but untitled and with no other examples traceable, it is near impossible to determine the exact publication date. As stated, it is likely the right half of what must have been a magnificently ambitious wall chart.