172 



the masses of statistical data expressed in the Tabular enumerations 

 of works of reference. The elegant substitute of Linear Delineation 

 registers the most complicated results in a perspicuous form, and 

 affords inexhaustible facilities for recording the continued advances of 

 science. In the emphatic language of the late President of the Royal 

 Geographical Society, ' Professor Berghaus has made the progress of 

 science visible' — he has mapped out the length and breadth of philo- 

 sophic research, and shown what it has done, and what it has left un- 

 done, in expounding the physical constitution of the Globe. 



" The Physical Atlas has been the labour of many years ; and in 

 addition to scientific qualifications of the highest order, and an intimate 

 acquaintance with the writings and discoveries of Brewster, Sabine, 

 Jameson, Whewell, Greenough, Humboldt, Von Buch, Arago, and 

 other distinguished names in modern research, Professor Berghaus 

 has had facilities for the accurate and extensive execution of the un- 

 dertaking beyond what any other individual could be expected to 

 possess. Geography forms a part of the course of education to all 

 persons preparing for public service in Prussia; and with that sedu- 

 lous attention to the cultivation of physical philosophy, which charac- 

 terizes the German mind, the whole of the military force and mercan- 

 tile marine of the Prussian Government are expected to report minutely 

 on the geographical condition of every country which they visit ; and 

 from his position as Principal of the National Geographical Institute, 

 the most valuable reports and surveys have been made under the spe- 

 cial direction of Professor Berghaus, and with reference to the comple- 

 tion of his arduous task. 



" In the ' National Atlas,' Mr. Johnston presented the British public 

 with some specimens of this meritorious work, which had the effect of 

 eliciting earnest requests from members of the Geographical Society, 

 and other learned bodies, to publish an English edition of the whole; 

 and in compliance with their wishes, this important publication is now 

 about to be commenced. The documents, which will be found in 

 another part of this prospectus, will evince the interest excited by the 

 work, as well as authoritatively indicate the superior manner in which 

 the present edition will be produced. 



" A liberal selection from the designs and copious MS. and letter- 

 press descriptions of Professor Berghaus will constitute the basis of 

 the new Atlas — a copyright arrangement having been made with him 

 for the purpose ; but instead of being a reprint from the original plates, 

 the Maps will not only be larger in size, and more complete, but will 

 contain the latest corrections from his own hand ; and in addition to 



