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Description
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Phillipe Buache (1700-1773) was one of the most prominent geographers of the 18th century at a time Paris was a center for cartography. He was the preeminent student of the French cartographer Guillaume de l'Isle (16751726) and went on to marry his daughter and inherit his workshop upon De l'Isles death. Buache was known for his theoretical work in physical geography. He published a number of major works including "Considérations géographiques et physiques sur les découvertes nouvelles dans la grande mer" (1754), "Le parallèle des fleuves des quatre parties du monde pour servir a déterminer la hauteur des montagnes" (1757), "Mémoire sur la traversée de la mer glaciale arctique" (1759), "Considérations géographiques sur les terres australes et antarctiques" (1761). This map was based upon a presentation to the Academie de Sciences in 1744 though it was published some ten years later. Buache was significant for formulating a theory about the importance of watersheds in physical geography. This map is an illustration of that theory. Note the systems of mountain ranges forming basins that the rivers flow out of and into the ocean. The map is indicative of a careful scientific mind, note for exapmle that the continent of Australia is only delineated according to the latest discoveries and left in an unfinished state. The Paris Meridian is demarcated on the map though it uses the earlier Ferro meridian as its prime meridian.This map was engraved by F. Desbruslins in 1757., dréssée et présentée à l'Acad. le 5 septbre. 1744 par Ph. Buache ; gravé par Desbruslins, Pere. 1757., Map of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Indian Ocean with relief shown by hachures., "Cette carte comprend la suite des Chaines de Montagnes qui traversent l'Afrique Orientale et de l'Asie Meridionale d'ou sortent les Fleuves qui se jettent dans cette Mer des Indes; On y voit aussi le Bassin interieur de la Mer Caspienne, et les principaux Fleuves de la Mer Glaciale Arctique.", Publiee sous le Privilege de l'Academie, du 4. septbre. 1754, Prime Meridian: Ferro Prime Meridian, Paris Meridian is demarcated., Main Heritage Compact General, HC.MAP.00193, Print Map, Item-ID: i11400444, BIB-ID: 1172387 |
