The evolution of non-quantitative geological graphics in texts during the formative years of geology (1788–1840)

Abstract

Although modern geology uses both pictorial and graphical illustrations for conveying information and data presentation, early books in the discipline did not place such a reliance on graphics. This study investigated the numbers and types of graphics in 72 texts containing geological illustrations, which were considered to be representative (excluding works with solely mineralogical or paleontological illustrations), published during the formative years of geology (1788–1840) in terms of Edward R. Tufte's principles of graphic design. The text graphics were analyzed in terms of the presence of proxy or inferred imagery, direct or keyed labeling, unnecessary embellishment, and their data density; and whether they exhibited multivariate properties, represented the small multiple format, or exhibited graphic modifications. Mixed methodology analyses revealed four stages in the evolution of geologic illustrations in the interval from 1788–1840: (1) early pictorial or proxy representations; (2) the introduction of labeled graphics, coinciding with the first geology textbooks; (3) ‘grand' or elaborate illustration; and (4) a high graphic density. Although progress was made in graphical representation during the time period studied, statistical graphics were hardly ever used.