1827
Maker: Vandermaelen.
Antique hand-colored map of part of Mexico, by Vandermaelen, 1827. Includes the area around Acapulco, and a diagramatic section of Chimborazo and climbing expeditions. Title at bottom translates to "Journey to the summit of Chimborazo, attempted on June 25, 1802. by Alexander de Humboldt, Aimé Bonpland and Carlos Montúfar". In 1802, young Alexander von Humboldt led a scientific expedition to Chimborazo in Ecuador, which was thought to be the highest mountain in the world. Despite not being the tallest mountain in the Andes or on Earth, its summit holds the distinction of being the farthest point on Earth's surface from the Earth's center, due to its location along the planet's equatorial bulge.
Humboldt and his party reached an altitude of 19,286 feet. This was a world record at the time (for a westerner—Incas had reached much higher altitudes centuries before), but 1000 feet short of the summit. The first mention is in a letter to his brother, Wilhelm, dated November 25, 1802, which is filled with dramatic details about his adventure. On this map we see Chimborazo depicted using Humboldt's cross-section method of explaining biogeography.
Details of landforms, water bodies, ports, towns and cities. Very good condition, minor foxing and offsetting, 18.25 x 23 inches.**Special Discount! 40% off maps by Vandermaelen! Was 200, Now 120! Dealers: no further discount.
Item Number: NAM137