Antique Map, Red Coral, Isis Ochracea, East Indian Coral, 1809

Magnificent copper plate engraving, hand coloured. This coral was first described by Linnaeus in 1758. The red colour is produced by red algae. Red Coral has been used for jewellery since antiquity.
The engraving by J.Pass, is from ” Encyclopædia Londinensis; or, universal dictionary of arts, sciences, and literature : Compiled, Digested, and Arranged, by John Wilkes assisted by eminent scholars of the English, Scotch, and Irish Universities”. Published as the Act directs 27th June,1809.

Size 20.5 x 26 cm. Condition Good.