This handsome set was produced as a teaching aid for the study of astronomy. One of the folding charts focuses on the twelve constellations that follow the ecliptic – these are known as the ‘Zodiacal constellations’ and they make up the names of the zodiac; Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpius, Sagittarius, and Capricornus. The other folding map features four hemispheres, two north and two south, each showing the positions of the stars and the milky way as one would see them in the skies, each with a key to their magnitudes.
Map 1:Ā 74x34cm A Map of the Zodiacal Stars intended to assist students in Astronomy… Plate I
Map 2: 74x34cm A Map of the Zodiacal Stars intended to assist students in Astronomy… Plate II
Map 3: 29x34cm A Map of the Principal Stars from the North Pole… Plate III
Map 4: 29x34cm A Map of the Principal Stars from the North Pole… Plate IV
Map 5: 29x34cm A Map of the Principal Stars from the South Pole… Plate V
Map 6: 29x34cm A Map of the Principal Stars from the South Pole… Plate VI
John William Norie (1772-1843) was an esteemed London-based mathematician, author, hydrographer, and publisher and is regarded as one of the most important figures in marine cartography and navigation books during the 19th Century.
He began his career apprenticed to legendary sea chart-maker, William Heather (c.1765-1812). When Heather died, Norie took over his premises in Leadenhall Street and began trading as “J. W. Norie Ltd.”
His most famous work was the āepitome of Practical navigationā (1805), which became the standard work on navigation and went through many editions. Norie began his career working with William Heather, who ran the naval Academy and naval Warehouse in Leadenhall Street from 1795, which sold navigational instruments, charts, and books on navigation. Norie took over the naval Warehouse after Heatherās retirement and founded J.W. Norie and Company in 1813. After Norieās death the company became Norie and Wilson, then in 1903 Imray, Laurie, Norie & Wilson
