Theory of the Seasons

Geographical Diagram of the Earth
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The Earth and Its Atmosphere
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Meteorology

John Emslie (1813-75) (artist and engraver)
Astronomical Diagram Cards
James Reynolds, 174 Strand, London: 1846 (and later, but all 19th Century)
Hand-colored engravings on card, some with tissue insets
11.5 x 9 inches each (average approximate size)
$250 to $450 each; please inquire as to current availability

Diagram Illustrating the Theory of the Seasons
The diagram shows how the tilt of earth and its elliptical orbit around the sun causes seasonal changes in climate.  The four seasons are represented by decorative spandrel illustrations of cherubs.

Geographical Diagram of the Earth Adapted for Illustrating its Movements &c. and exhibiting the Chief Mountains & Rivers in the World
North and south circular circumpolar maps of the earth, rotating as volvelles (moveable paper wheels), are accompanied by diagrams comparing the lengths of the world’s largest rivers and of mountain ranges shown in relative size.

The Earth and Its Atmosphere
This cross-section of earth at the equator shows the elevation of the crust above or below sea-level, including two volcanos, surrounded by the earth’s atmosphere, colored blue.  Two small diagrams show how the atmosphere refracts light to create mirages of a ship at sea and to affect our perception of the sun’s location as it approaches the horizon.

Diagram of Meteorology, Displaying the Various Phenomena of the Atmosphere. 
An imaginative landscape view with numerous illustrations of diverse meteorological and geological phenomena combined into one scene, incorporating both mountains and sea.  Within the picture are an assortment of clouds formations, rain, snow, glaciers, the aurora borealis, rainbows, lightning, falling stars, and meteors.  Extensive explanatory text verso. 

Various principles of astronomy are demonstrated in this fine set of charts and diagrams.  Among the subjects, each treated on a card, are stars and constellations, revolution of the earth around the sun (relating to eclipses and seasons), the moon, and comets.  Some of the cards have colored tissue paper insets in cutout holes that illuminate the illustrations to mimic the night sky when the card is held in front of a light source.

James Reynolds responded to the popular demand for information on the developments taking place in science and engineering as a result of the Industrial Revolution by publishing diagrams, charts, maps and atlases.  Many of the cards were drawn and engraved by John Emslie, also British.  The cards were issued singly (some bearing the price of 1 shilling) or in sets, some reissued from time to time with changes in design or publishers. 

In addition to J. Reynolds, the names and addresses of other publishers variously appear on the cards, including G. Musgrave, Turnham Green; Ackermann & Co., Strand; Reeves & Son, Cheapside; Rock & Co.; and Peacock and Mansfield.  Some cards also bear the name of James Reynolds’ successor James Reynolds and Sons which continued publishing through at least 1889.  Similar astronomy cards were also published in the 1850s by L. Preyssinger of Stuttgart, Germany under the title Astronomischer Bilder-Atlas.

Reynolds and Emslie’s first collaboration was the astronomical diagrams, copyrighted 1846, issued singly or in sets of 9 or 12, and often reissued. Another large scientific work of Reynolds and Emslie was Illustrations of Natural Philosophy – Popular Diagrams.  This was variously issued with 44 scientific teaching diagrams on geology, geography, astronomy, physics, optics, chemistry, mechanics, and other related sciences and technologies (c. 1850-64 and later).  Reynolds also published a series of larger scientific prints, called Large Illustrations of Science, apparently designed to be hung on classroom walls, including Principles of Hydrostatics (London: 1873).   Finally, Reynolds published a number of atlases of England, Britain and London, often reprinted throughout the second half of the 19th century, including Reynolds's Travelling Atlas of England (1848) and Reynolds's Geological Atlas of Great Britain (1860 and later).  Reynolds’ educational diagrams received a prize medal at the International Exhibition of 1862. 

Condition:  Generally very good with the usual overall light toning and wear.  Some with light soiling from handling, chipped or bumped corners.  Paper tone may vary from card to card.

References:

Coakely, Frances. “John Emslie 1848.” IsleofMan.com.  2004.  http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/maps/em1848.htm (19 April 2005).

“Two Meteorological Maps, c. 1850.” Science & Society Picture Library.  2004.  http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10325791 (19 April 2005).