TRAVELS AMONGST THE GREAT ANDES OF THE EQUATOR, 2-Vol Set

TRAVELS AMONGST THE GREAT ANDES OF THE EQUATOR
Whymper, Edward
London, 1891 & 1892, John Murray, First U.K. Editions. Two volume set. 8vo. Vol. I, xxiv, 456 pp, 4 maps, 2 folding, 1 in rear pocket. 20 full page and 118 text illustrations, wood-engraved. Separately published supplementary volume of scientific observations, Vol. II, xxii & addenda, 147 pp, 14 Plates and 42 other illustrations, wood-engraved. After many years climbing in the Alps, Whymper decided to organize an expedition to the Andes of Ecuador. His primary purpose was to study altitude sickness and the effect of reduced pressure on the human body. During 1880, he made two ascents of Chimborazo (20,498 feet), also claiming the first ascent, and made first ascents of six other great peaks ranging in height from 15,000 to 20,000 feet. He spent a night on the summit of Cotopaxi (19,613 feet), and was able to thoroughly study the features of the great volcano. Whymper's great contributions to science and exploration were recognized by the Royal Geographical Society, which in 1892 conferred on Whymper one of their Royal Medals "in recognition of the fact that, apart from his mountaineering exploits, 'he had largely corrected and added to our geographical and physical knowledge of the mountain systems of Ecuador, fixed the position of all the great Ecuadorian mountains, produced a map constructed from original theodolite observations extending over 250 miles, and ascertained seventy altitudes by means of three mercurial barometers." Whymper also brought back important collections of rock specimens, volcanic dusts, and natural history specimens. He devised a popular form of tent which bears his name, and was able to suggest improvements in aneroid barometers (quoted from Neate). Note: Edward Whymper's famous 'Travels Amongst The Great Andes Of The Equator' became quite a desirable book to this collector while travelling, climbing and working in some of the same locales and mountains of Ecuador that Whymper visited. This First Edition is seldom found with accompanying 'Supplementary Appendix' with added attractive engravings, so this is an appealing set to any collector. Volume I has unopened pages at top, including all of Appendix and Index from pp. 393 to 456. Pages that have been opened were done carefully and correctly. Both volumes with extremities rubbed, one gutter starting, yet are clean and intact internally, without foxing. No DJ's, and with beveled green decorative boards, gilt decorations and gilt spine titles.