A Geological Map Of The World – 1921 – First Edition

Cartographer: Henry B Milner
Publisher: Edward Stanford
Price: £750 (post-free in the UK)
Publication Date: 1921
Edition: 1st edition
Format: Colour printed
Condition: In good only condition
Sheet Sizes: 110.3cm x 67.8cm. 

Condition:

Size: 110.3cm x 67.8cm. Backed on linen. One of the first large scale published map on the subject which received much criticism due to its inaccuracies. Old fold lines. No explanatory pamphlet included. Pin holes to corners. Stains, chips and wear to the map with small amounts of loss. In good only condition but scarce.

Location: DOBRLTUBE 002815

Geological Maps of the World: A Historical Overview

The history of geological maps of the world is a story of intellectual ambition, scientific collaboration, and the gradual unveiling of the Earth’s deep structure. From the earliest attempts to depict the distribution of rock formations across continents, to the refined global charts of the 20th century, geological mapping has played a central role in the advancement of earth sciences.

The origins of geological mapping may be traced to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when geologists first began to recognise the relationship between rock types, fossils, and the age of the Earth. Pioneers such as William Smith in England produced the earliest large-scale geological maps — efforts that were regional in scope but revolutionary in their implications. Smith’s principle of faunal succession laid the foundation for the chronological ordering of strata, which made meaningful geological cartography possible.

Throughout the 19th century, as scientific institutions and geological surveys were established across Europe and the colonial world, national geological maps began to appear. These maps, often produced by state-sponsored agencies, aimed to catalogue mineral resources and guide engineering works — yet they also reflected a growing desire to comprehend the structure and history of the planet itself.

The concept of a geological map of the world emerged gradually as these national and regional efforts accumulated. With the expansion of exploration and the development of palaeontology and stratigraphy, geologists began to piece together the global distribution of rock systems. The first true attempts to produce a geological world map appeared in the mid- to late 19th century, typically in atlases or scientific treatises. These early efforts were often schematic, limited by sparse data and differing national standards.

By the early 20th century, however, the situation had changed considerably. Advances in geological theory, including the growing acceptance of continental drift and the discovery of oceanic ridges, led to more integrated and ambitious maps. The 1921 geological world map by Henry B. Milner, for instance, represented a landmark in this tradition. Carefully colour-coded and based on the best available data, it offered a coherent picture of global stratigraphy, suitable for both educational and professional use.

Later in the 20th century, with the advent of plate tectonics and satellite imagery, geological maps of the world gained a new level of precision and sophistication. Submarine geology, once a matter of conjecture, could now be mapped with remarkable accuracy, revealing mid-ocean ridges, tectonic plate boundaries, and sedimentary basins on a global scale. International cooperation — particularly through organisations such as UNESCO and various geological unions — led to the creation of standardised maps based on shared data and classification systems.

Today, geological world maps are produced both in print and digital formats, serving a wide array of users — from academics and engineers to educators and environmental planners. They remain vital tools for understanding the Earth’s history, its resources, and the dynamic processes that continue to shape it.

In this ongoing endeavour, each generation of geologists has built upon the work of its predecessors, refining the global portrait of the Earth’s crust. Geological maps of the world are not merely technical documents — they are expressions of human curiosity, perseverance, and a collective effort to comprehend the foundations of the planet we inhabit.

Henry B. Milner: Geologist and Educator: A Short Biography

Henry Bathurst Milner was a distinguished British geologist and educator active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Though not as widely recognised today as some of his contemporaries, Milner played a significant role in the dissemination of geological knowledge to both academic and general audiences during a period of rapid scientific advancement.

Educated in the traditions of Victorian natural science, Milner devoted much of his career to teaching, writing, and the production of accessible geological materials. His work reflects a commitment not only to scientific accuracy but also to public education — an ethos consistent with the broader intellectual movements of the time, which sought to bring scientific understanding to a wider audience beyond the university or laboratory.

Milner held academic posts in Britain and was particularly known for his clear, structured approach to the subject. He authored several textbooks on geology and physical geography, many of which were used in schools and technical colleges throughout the United Kingdom and the Empire. His style was concise yet authoritative, making complex subjects intelligible to students and amateur enthusiasts alike.

Perhaps his most notable achievement was A Geological Map of the World, first published in 1921. This carefully executed map offered a global view of geological formations, marking an ambitious attempt to consolidate the era’s expanding geological data into a single, intelligible format. It was particularly valuable at a time when international geological collaboration was in its infancy and data from across the globe were still being painstakingly gathered.

Milner’s works often combined traditional stratigraphy with newer developments in geological theory. He showed an early awareness of the importance of structural geology, the role of tectonics, and the influence of volcanic activity — subjects that would come to the forefront of geological thought later in the century.

Beyond his technical contributions, Milner was a committed advocate of science education. He worked to improve the quality of scientific teaching materials and supported the development of practical field studies for students. His legacy lies not in ground-breaking discoveries, but in his enduring influence as a communicator and educator — a figure who helped shape how geology was taught and understood in the early twentieth century.

While biographical details about his private life remain limited, it is clear that Milner belonged to a generation of scholars who saw science as both a profession and a public good. His contributions to geology, though understated, remain part of the fabric of early modern scientific education.

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