Chart of the Inhabited World
MakerCompiled by
William C. Woodbridge
(American, 1794 - 1854)
Date1821
MediumEngraving; black printer's ink on laid paper, mounted on paper
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 8 5/8 x 11 3/4in. (21.9 x 29.8cm)
Platemark (width only): 12 1/2in. (31.8cm)
Sheet (height x width): 10 1/8 x 13 1/8in. (25.7 x 33.3cm)
Mount (height x width): 10 1/2 x 13 3/8in. (26.7 x 34cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
Object number2005.195.0
DescriptionMap of the world (excluding Antarctica), using different line styles to indicate the "state of civilization" ("savage," "barbarous," "half-civilized," "civilized," and "enlightened"). The type of government (monarchy/imperial, republican, limited monarchy, independent chiefs or dukes, and viceroys or governors under another country), religion (Christian, Catholic, Protestant, Greek, "Mahometan," and "pagan"), and the locations of missionary stations are depicted using symbols. In text next to each country or region is information about its population and physical size. An inset map in the lower right corner shows the Pacific islands.
Label TextAs a young student at Yale, William C. Woodbridge had hoped to become a missionary. Perhaps this early interest influenced his characterization of the nations of the world as Christian and enlightened or pagan and barbarous; however, the equation of Christianity with civilization and enlightment was common in Woodbridge's day. After traveling extensively in Europe, Woodbridge wound up in Hartford, Connecticut, where he pioneered the teaching of geography to the disabled at the Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb and was active as a publisher of maps and atlases. many of them were intended for use in schools.
NotesCartographic Note: Scale: No scaleStatus
Not on view
