LOT 21 Antique 1850 Scientific Charts James Reynolds John Emslie Philosophy For Sale

This is a premium, authentic, beautifully preserved 19th-century collection with its original luxury binding.
We acquired this magnificent, highly cohesive partial portfolio of 21 original Victorian educational charts from the celebrated series "Diagrams of Natural Philosophy" (incorporating elements of Reynolds’s "Illustrations of Natural Philosophy") at a Los Angeles estate sale. Published in London by James Reynolds (174 Strand) between 1849 and 1853, these charts were masterfully drawn and engraved by the prominent British artist and cartographer John Emslie to satisfy a booming Victorian obsession with cutting-edge science, geology, and engineering.Unlike cheap modern reproductions, each of these 21 sheets boasts exquisite, highly detailed period engraving and striking, contemporary hand-coloring executed on exceptionally heavy, sturdy card stock. Because these portfolios were originally issued as loose sheets tucked into a cover for classroom and family study, very few collections have survived together in such fine condition.The original maroon embossed cloth boards are included, boasting deep floral framing and exceptionally bright, reflective gold gilt lettering. While the plates are entirely detached from the binding—which is standard for this specific portfolio format—this makes each individual sheet an absolute dream for immediate archival storage, gallery exhibition, or high-end custom framing. From landmark regional geological maps to dramatic natural wonders like the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the highly coveted, dinosaur-rich "Pre-Adamite Earth" chart, this lot represents an elite, investment-grade acquisition for map dealers, science historians, and discerning antiquarian collectors alike.
Inventory Checklist (21 Items Total + Original Boards):
**Geological & Physical Maps / Charts:**1. **Geological Map of England** (Dated Dec 13, 1849) – Highly detailed regional map with structural cross-sections.2. **Geological Map of Scotland** – Vivid regional map featuring vignettes of Scottish coastal geography and rock structures.3. **Geological Map of Ireland** – Features vignettes of the Giant's Causeway, the Twelve Pins, and an Irish Elk skeleton.4. **Physical Map of the British Isles and the Surrounding Seas** (Dated Dec 13, 1851) – Shows deep sea contour lines and tidal variants.5. **Geological Map of the World** – Global overview detailing primary strata formations, volcanic chains, and coral systems.
**Earth Sciences & Paleontology:**6. **The Pre-Adamite Earth** – Rare and highly collectible paleontological chart depicting dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and extinct megafauna across geological eras.7. **Diagram of Natural Phenomena** (Dated April 20, 1849) – Highly dramatic cross-section showcasing the dynamic forces shaping the Earth's crust.8. **Phenomena of Volcanoes and Earthquakes** (Dated June 3, 1852) – Global seismic tracking map featuring a vignette of the historic 1755 Lisbon earthquake.9. **Eruption of Vesuvius** – Magnificent, fiery nighttime illustration depicting Mount Vesuvius erupting over the Bay of Naples.10. **Principal Eminences of the British Islands** (Dated March 3, 1852) – A comparative height chart of the tallest mountains in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.11. **Popular Geology** (Dated Oct 1, 1850) – Elaborate guide to strata, fossil groups (Trilobites, Ammonites), and artesian wells.
**Illustrations of Natural Philosophy (Physics & Chemistry Series):**12. **Properties of Bodies** (Popular Diagrams No. 24) – Explains foundational concepts of density, gravity, and states of matter.13. **Mechanical Powers** (Popular Diagrams No. 25) – Illustrates levers, pulleys, wheels, axles, and early cranes.14. **Motion and Machinery** (Popular Diagrams No. 22) – Depicts gears, watermills, steam engines, and mechanical looms.15. **Hydrostatics** (Popular Diagrams No. 26) – Displays hydraulic presses, siphons, and fluid mechanics.16. **Hydraulics** (Popular Diagrams No. 23) – Illustrates waterwheels, Archimedes' screws, and pumping systems.17. **Pneumatics** (Popular Diagrams No. 31) – Visualizes barometers, air pumps, and features a prominent hot air balloon vignette.18. **Optics** (Popular Diagrams No. 32) – Displays lenses, prisms, rainbow formation, and the anatomy of the human eye.19. **Electricity** (Popular Diagrams No. 33) – Explains lightning rods, conductors, batteries, and early static friction generators.20. **Chemistry** (Popular Diagrams No. 21) – Features a foundational table of non-metallic/metallic elements alongside laboratory distillation apparatus.
**Portfolio Elements:**21. **James Reynolds Publisher's Catalogue Sheet** – The original broadside listing other available illustrative diagrams and scientific guides.22. **Original Maroon Portfolio Cover Boards** – Embossed floral border pattern with crisp, bright gilt-stamped text reading: "Diagrams of Natural Philosophy."
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Historical Context & Publication History:
This portfolio was published by James Reynolds in London between 1849 and 1853. It was created directly in response to a massive surge of public interest in science, engineering, and geology fueled by the Industrial Revolution. Reynolds operated from 174 Strand, London. He specialized in creating "visual learning aids" meant for middle-class Victorian families and classroom instruction. His pioneering educational diagrams were so well-regarded that they were awarded a Prize Medal at the historic International Exhibition of 1862.
All plates were masterfully drawn and engraved by John Philipps Emslie (1813-1875), a prominent British artist and cartographer. Emslie is highly celebrated today for his unique ability to turn complex scientific data (like geological cross-sections and astronomical paths) into stunning, color-blocked works of visual art. Because these charts were issued loosely inside portfolio boards for easy handling, very few sets survived complete and intact. Finding 21 cohesive plates together with the original embossed presentation boards is incredibly scarce.
Detailed Condition Report:
**The Plates (Very Good Antique Condition):**- **Color & Text:** The contemporary hand-coloring remains remarkably bright, vivid, and clean. The engraved text, lines, and intricate details are perfectly sharp and legible.- **Paper / Card Stock:** Crisp and sturdy heavy-period card stock. There are no major tears, heavy creases, or structural damage affecting the main illustrations.- **Aging & Toning:** Displays a beautiful, authentic uniform age-toning (light browning) that is strongest along the outermost margins and edges, giving them an excellent antique aesthetic.- **Foxing & Staining:** Remarkably clean. There is minimal foxing (brown age spots) and no evidence of water staining or moisture damage.- **Edges:** Minor, typical shelf wear to the edges and slightly rounded or bumped corners from being handled over the decades.- **We note corner loss at the NE corner of the the Plate of Mechancial Powers.
**The Portfolio Boards (Good Antique Condition):**- The original maroon cloth boards remain structurally intact with deeply embossed floral detailing.- The gold gilt lettering on the front cover is still beautifully bright, sharp, and highly reflective.- Shows typical antique wear, including scuffing to the cloth, edge wear, and minor fraying/softening at the corners and along the spine area.- The plates are loose/detached from the internal binding, which is completely standard for this portfolio format.