The first geological map of France

A re-issue of the first geological map of France, on a scale of 1/500,000, originally published in1841, created by Armand Dufrénoy (1792-1857) and Léonce Elie de Beaumont (1798-1874) under the supervision of André Brochant de Villiers (1772-1840). After visiting England to learn the techniques of George Bellas Greenough, who had published a six-sheet geological map of England in 1820, the pair divided France between them and began their research in 1825. Having finished a preliminary survey by 1829, the pair joined together to re-examine some of some areas in greater detail. After finishing their travels in 1836 they spent another five years preparing and engraving their map and writing the accompanying text. The map and first volume of the 'Explication de la carte géologique de la France were published in 1841 with a second volume in 1848; further volumes were published 1873, 1878 & 1879. In recognition of their work, Dufrénoy and Elie de Beaumont were made commanders of the Légion d'honneur, and the Geological Society of London awarded them the Wollaston Medal, their highest award.