Highlights from the Bartholomew Archive
Plans for a National Institute of Geography
In 1902 the Bartholomew mapmaking firm engraved and printed a plan for a National Institute of Geography in Edinburgh.
The plan illustrated a proposal put forward by Scottish natural scientist and social analyst Patrick Geddes (1854-1932). French architect Paul Galeron designed the flamboyant and ambitious concrete structure. It reflected the vision of Geddes and French geographer Élisée Reclus – a 'cosmic presentment of Universal Geography', a celebration of the natural features of the world.
Bartholomew supports institute
John George Bartholomew strongly supported the proposal. He shared Geddes' passionate belief in the importance of geography – 'truly the science of earth knowledge'. He saw the purpose of the institute as being to educate people and lead to a universal understanding of the geography of our planet. In his words, the scheme would 'advance material welfare while diffusing culture and international sympathy'.
Bartholomew's pleas for the project were printed, along with the plan and Geddes draft proposal, in the 'Scottish Geographical Magazine'. However, despite the support of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, the Institute was never built.
Geography lectureship
John George went on to further the teaching of geography by other means. Through his efforts as secretary of a Royal Scottish Geographical Society committee, a lectureship at Edinburgh University was funded from 1908. This was the first formal geography teaching programme in Scotland.
Other highlights from the archive:
- Seven Pillars of Wisdom
- Botanical Survey of Scotland
- The naming of Antarctica
- Gladstone and the 1880 General Election
- Survey Atlas of Scotland
- Half-inch to the mile maps
- Bathymetric Survey of Scottish lochs
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