Asia and America: An Historical Disquisition Concerning the Ideas Which Former Geographers Had About the Geographical Relation and Connection of the Old and New World.

The article discusses geographical concepts regarding Asia and America. The author notes how before the discovery of the Americas, inhabitants of both Asia and America believed their continents to be islands. Maps created by geographers Martin Behaim and Johannes Ruysch depicting Asia and the Americas are noted. The mapping of North and South America following the voyages of explorer Hernan Cortes is also described. Explorers believed that Asia and America were separated by the Strait of Anian as reflected on maps made during the 16th century. Following the voyages of explorer Henry Hudson, some maps depicted Hudson's Bay as having an outlet to the Pacific Ocean. The voyages of explorer James Cook are also noted.