Cholera map. Southwark/Vauxhall & Lambeth Water Cos. by Dr John Snow 1855 (1936)

CAPTION PRINTED BELOW PICTURE: [Dr John Snow's map of South London showing the areas served by the Southwark and Vauxhall Water Company, and by the Lambeth Water Company, to illustrate the cause of the differing incidence of Cholera in each area]

Dr. John Snow’s map of the South London water companies, originally published in 1855, illustrates the areas served by the Southwark & Vauxhall Water Company and the Lambeth Water Company during the 1853–54 cholera outbreak. Snow's map is a key example of early epidemiological analysis, comparing cholera death rates across populations supplied by different water sources. The Southwark & Vauxhall Water Company sourced water from the polluted Thames downstream of London, while the Lambeth Water Company drew its water from a cleaner section upstream. Snow observed significantly higher cholera deaths in areas supplied by Southwark & Vauxhall, while areas served by Lambeth had fewer cases. This comparison of cholera incidence between the two water companies provided critical evidence supporting Snow’s theory that contaminated water, not "miasma" or bad air (as was commonly believed at the time), was the primary cause of cholera. Snow's work paved the way for reforms in water sanitation and the modern understanding of disease transmission. The map is regarded as a pioneering example of disease mapping.

DATE PRINTED: A 1936 reprint of Snow's original 1855 map

IMAGE SIZE: Approx 44.0 x 55.5cm, 17.25 x 21.75 inches (Large); Please note that this is a folding map.

TYPE: Antique colour map

CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Please contact us if you would like to arrange to view this map. Virtually all antiquarian maps and prints are subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not obtrusive unless otherwise stated. We offer a no questions asked return policy.

AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic historic print, published at the date stated above. It is not a modern copy.

VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is plain

FOLDING: This is a folding print.

ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: From the map by Dr John Snow, drawn and lithographed by Charles Cheffins, Southampton

PROVENANCE: "On the Mode of Communication of Cholera" by John Snow, Second edition, London: John Churchill, New Burlington Street [Reprinted in "Snow on Cholera" by the Commonwealth Fund, New York, London: Humphrey Milford: Oxford University Press]