Exceptionally rare example of the first geological map of Argentina

Description

This is the first geological map of Argentina, created by Ludwig (Luis) Brackebusch and published in Gotha, in 1891.

Brackebusch (1849-1906) was a German geologist, mineralogist, and palaeontologist who was a pioneer of geology in Argentina. After earning a doctorate and working for a short time in Germany, he was invited by Hermann Burmeister to become Professor of Mineralogy and Director of the Mineralogical Institute at the University of Córdoba in Argentina.

Burmeister was a German scientist, who – also through his friendship with, and support by, Alexander von Humboldt – had extensively travelled South America and eventually, in 1862, became director of the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia. In 1869, he was in addition commissioned by Argentina’s president at the time, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, to establish a science faculty at the University of Córdoba. Sarmiento is known for having modernised Argentina through major educational reforms, expanding public schooling, promoting teacher training, and advancing infrastructure, immigration, and civil institutions to foster national development.

The new faculty opened in 1870, with Burmeister inviting and appointing numerous German scientists, many of whom became pioneers in their respective fields in Argentina. Brackebusch joined in 1875.

In his role, Brackebusch made foundational contributions to geological science in Argentina during the late 19^th century. He systematically mapped the Sierras Pampeanas, producing some of the earliest detailed geological charts of the region. His surveys identified key mineral deposits, clarified the geological structure of Córdoba’s mountain ranges, and supported the early growth of Argentina’s mining sector. He also conducted fieldwork beyond Córdoba, gathering mineralogical and paleontological specimens that expanded the country’s scientific collections.

Brackebusch was equally influential as an educator and institution-builder. At the University of Córdoba, he helped modernise the geology and mineralogy curriculum, training a generation of students in rigorous field and laboratory methods. His publications – ranging from geological monographs to mining reports – became standard references for scientists and engineers. Through his research, teaching, and applied investigations, Brackebusch significantly advanced Argentina’s scientific infrastructure during a formative period.

In 1888, Brackebusch returned to Germany, subsequently publishing the present map in 1891.

Extending across five sheets (as published), the map covers the region from Santa Catalina, on Argentina’s border with Bolivia in the north, to Villa Mercedes in central-eastern present-day San Luis Province in the south, and from the western outskirts of Rosario in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the northwest.

In the title cartouche, the map features a legend defining conventional topographical symbols and abbreviations, such as for towns, cities, roads, and railways. It also holds three distance scales. Beneath it is a highly detailed, specialised legend, explaining colours used for geology and symbols used for mineralogy. This is followed by a third legend, identifying various line styles used to illustrate expedition routes taken by Brackebusch, Burmeister, Darwin, and other scientists.

At top right of the map, there is an inset showing the German Harz Mountains on the same scale as the main map, for comparison purposes.

A fabulous and highly scarce historically significant thematic map of Argentina.

Rarity

The map is exceptionally rare on the market. While we did identify several institutional holdings, we were not able to trace any sales by dealers and auction houses over the last 40 years.

Condition

Fine.

Issued on five sheets. Printed colour. Bright and clean throughout, with very light, even toning.

Reference

Domingo Faustino Sarmiento. (2025, November 15). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domingo_Faustino_Sarmiento

Hermann Burmeister. (2025, October 15). In Wikipedia. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermann_Burmeister

Ludwig Brackebusch (Geologe). (2025, July 23). In Wikipedia. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_Brackebusch_(Geologe)

Item #: 03105

US $1,500.00

other currencies