DESCRIPTION: Scarce official U.S. thematic chart of reported whale sightings by geographic area, whale species, and relative number of sightings (5th ed. ca. 1972). An early example of the graphical display of quantitative information for decision making. The chart shows the best whaling areas and migration patterns for sperm whales and right whales, as well as the most densely populated areas of "Straggling" Sperm Whales and Right Whales." Chart # 5018.
Matthew Maury's Whale Chart, was first issued by the United States Bureau of Ordnance & Hydrography in 1851. This is the official U.S. fifth (5th.) edition, from the United States Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic/Topographic Center in the 1970s. The DMA existed from 1972 through 1996. The first edition of Maury's Whale Chart is extremely rare on the market. Only one sale of Maury's chart is recorded in the Antique Map Price Record.
The last three editions of Maury's Whale Chart may be identified thus:
- Third Edition (1956)
Upper top left position with logo of eagle clutching items in claws surrounded by text: "Hydrographic Office U.S. Navy". Top right position is blank. Bottom right position reads "Price 20 cents / H.O. Miscel. No. 8514".
- Fourth edition (1960)
Upper top left position with logo of eagle over an anchor surrounded by text: "United States Hydrographical Office". Top right position reads "Catalog: Introduction. Part 1.". Bottom right position reads "Price 50 cents / H.O. Miscel. No. 8514" .
- Fifth edition (after 1972)
Upper top left with logo containing an eagle perched on a globe with text "Defense Mapping Agency". Top right position reads "Catalog P2V10". Bottom right reads "Lith of Wm. Endicott & Co. N. York | 5018 | DMA Stock Number | W0XZC5018.
Matthew Fontaine Maury
(1806 - 1873)
Matthew Fontaine Maury (1806–1873) was an American naval officer, oceanographer, and astronomer known for his pioneering work in oceanography, meteorology, and cartography. He is often called the "Pathfinder of the Seas" and the "Father of Modern Oceanography and Naval Meteorology" and later, "Scientist of the Seas" for his significant contributions to charting wind and ocean currents.
In 1842, Maury became Superintendent of the United States Naval Observatory and the Depot of Charts and Instruments, the forerunner of the United States Hydrographic Office. There, he had access to vast logs of data from naval and merchant marine vessels, which he used for his research.
Perhaps Maury's most notable achievement was the development of the first comprehensive charts of ocean winds and currents, based on logs and reports gathered from thousands of ship captains. His "Wind and Current Chart of the North Atlantic" (1847) dramatically reduced the length of ocean voyages. His system of recording oceanographic data was so effective that it was used internationally to improve sea travel. (1)
(1) Garcia, Christine. Atlan. Online. August 29, 2019. https://humansofdata.atlan.com/2019/08/how-maury-saved-millions-and-unified-the-world-with-data-in-the-1800s/
PUBLICATION DATE: 1972
GEOGRAPHIC AREA: World
BODY OF WATER: All
CONDITION: Good.
A fine copy, sharp and clean. Rolled with no folds. On strong paper. No holes, tears or condition issues. Wide margins.
COLORING: B/W
ENGRAVER:
SIZE: 36
" x
24 "
ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 0
PRICE: $1500
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