The science of geography dates its origin, as we have already mentioned, from Mercator, though he was unable to point out and explain the law, according to which the projection which bears his name might be laid down on fixed principles:  this was effected by an Englishman of the name of Wright.  Mathematical geography, strictly so called, seems to have owed its origin to the discussion respecting the flattening of the Poles, which took place, in the beginning of the eighteenth century, among Newton, Huygens, and Cassini, and which was afterwards continued by some of the most distinguished mathematicians and natural philosophers of France and England.  Still, however, the construction of maps derived little advantage from the application of strict science to geography, till Delisle, in France, and Haase, in Germany, directed their attention and talents to this particular subject:  their efforts were indeed great, but in some measure unavailing, in consequence of the want of sufficient materials.  The same impediment lay in the way of Busching, notwithstanding he brought to the task the characteristic patience and research of a German.  To him, however, and the more illustrious D’Anville, accurate delineations and descriptions of the countries of the globe may first justly be ascribed.

D’Anville possessed excellent and ample materials, in authentic relations, and plans and delineations made on the spot:  with these he advanced to the task, calling to his aid mathematical principles.  He first exhibited in his maps the interior of Asia free from that confusion and error by which all former maps had obscured it; and struck out from his map of Africa many imaginary kingdoms.  Ancient geography, and the still more involved and dark geography of the middle ages, received from him the first illumination; and if subsequent geographers have been able to add to and correct his labours, it has been chiefly owing to their possessing materials which did not exist in his time.

Busching confined himself entirely to modern geography; and though his minuteness is generally tiresome and superfluous, yet we can pardon it, for the accuracy of his details:  he was patronized and assisted in his labours by all the governments, of the north, who gave him access to every document which could further his object.

Since the time of D’Anville and Busching, the description of countries, and the construction of maps, have proceeded with a rapidly encreasing decree of accuracy.  In ancient geography, Gosselin, Rennell, Vincent, and Malte Brun, are among the most celebrated names.  Two Germans, Voss and Munnert, have directed their labours to illustrate and explain the geographical details and hints of the Greek poets.  It would be almost endless to enumerate those to whom modern geography, and the construction of modern maps are principally indebted.  Gaspari and Zimmerman, among the Germans, have thrown into a philosophical and interesting form the labours and heavy details which