Talk:Thomas Shapter

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In doing research on the history of mapping I came across the well known "ghost-map" by John Snow. In searching Google Images for a high res version I happened across an even better looking map of, seemingly, the exact same thing, but this was the map of cholera deaths in Thomas Shpater's "The History of the Cholera in Exeter 1832." This began a fascinating series of discoveries for me of what I think may very-well be the original "Ghost Map." This included the discovery that the map in Shapter's book preceded the work of John Snow and in fact was cited by Snow. There is a historical controversy about the mythical status of Snow's "Ghost Map" and its true role in history, well expressed by Brody Etal. in "Map-making and myth-making in Broad Street: the London cholera epidemic, 1854" Finally I was surprised to learn that this more rich image of a very influential piece of mapping and medical history is not well known, nor was Shapter cited on Snow's page nor did he even have a page here on Wikipedia. That first image that lead me to here was from some excellent historical work by Graeme Barber. I contacted Mr. Barber via email to ask permission to use his research on Wikipedia. This was his response.

July 22 2010

Dear Andrew Sorry for belated reply but have been on leave and then struggling to read all my emails!

Good to hear from you. I'd be happy for the information to go up on Wikipedia and I'd quite agree it would be good to make him better known to the wider world. I have been concerned the info I compiled might disappear so a more permanent home would be good

If you are able to do that it would be great - I haven't ever contributed to Wikipedia so if you know how to go about this that would good

regards Graeme

___________________________________________ Graeme Barber Deputy University Librarian (Customer Services & Operations) Southampton Solent University