This is Hitchcock's landmark map of 1853. Essentially, it is a compilation of Lyell’s map for the eastern portion combined with M. Boue’s Geological Map of the World for the western portion modified by the author’s generalizations derived from the relations of geography to geology, as argued in the report. In this respect, he freely admits that such generalizations for the western US might be greatly erroneous. This map provides early detail of the geological formations. An explanatory key to the colors indicates fifteen geologic types.

The map is laid into the original report "Outline of the Geology of the Globe, and of the United States in Particular; with Two Geological Maps, and Sketches of Characteristic American Fossils," published by Phillips, Sampson & Company in Boston. It is missing the second map of the world that was published in the volume. Octavo, 136 pages, 6 plates, and 1 folding hand-colored geological maps. Hardbound in brown cloth with blind-stamped decorative elements and gilt title on spine. This work is notable for containing his first attempt at a geological map of the United States. His son C. H. Hitchcock also notes that "the part relating to the United States is the first attempt to show the distribution of rocks from the Atlantic to the Pacific border."

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Condition: B

The folding map has minor foxing and a 5" binding tear at left that has been closed on verso with old tape. Text has scattered foxing and faint dampstains throughout. Covers are stained, worn, and slightly bowed.