GEOLOGICAL PROFILE EXTENDING FROM THE Atlantic to Lake Erie
 engraved by Rawden, Clark and Co.
Library of Congress Digital Online Catalog http://lccn.loc.gov/10018357 |
The engraving above shows a geological section through the length of the Erie Canal. Of the four scenes along the top, three were used by Enoch Wood & Sons, of Burslem, Staffordshire as the basis for patterns on blue printed pottery c. 1825 -1830.
 |  |  |
The images entitled "GEOLOGICAL PROFILE EXTENDING FROM THE Atlantic to Lake Erie" was engraved by Rawden, Clark & Co. Albany after originals by James Eights, and took the form of a fold-out illustration published in 1824 in A geological and agricultural survey of the district adjoining the Erie canal in the state of New York. Taken under the direction of the Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer. Part I. Containing a description of the rock formations; together with a geological profile, extending from the Atlantic to Lake Erie. Amos Eaton, Stephen Van Rensselaer, and William Cabell Rives. 1824. Albany: Printed by Packard & Van Benthuysen.
The "Geological Profile..." was reprinted in 1825 on a lightweight paper and included in Memoir, prepared at the request of a committee of the Common council of the city of New York: and presented to the mayor of the city, at the celebration of the completion of the New York canals. D. Cadwallader Colden, George Catlin, and William L. Stone. 1825 New York: Printed by order of the Corporation of New York.
It is likely that the 1825 "Geological Profile ..." was provided to a pottery engraver as it was more easily detached from the book.
James Eights, the original artist of the views, was born in Albany and probably studied medicine, natural history and other subjects under the guidance of his father. In 1820 Eights began a long scientific career when he joined a geological survey of the Erie Canal region as an artist, lecturer and supplier. It was from the drawings he made on this trip that the engravings were made by Rawden Clarke & Co., Albany. Eights went on to be part of a number of important American expeditions and became a noted natural scientist . He retired to Albany where he made drawings based on his early memories of the City.