This is the first full-length biography of a man who was primarily a botanist but who is best known for his map of North America. He left a well-established medical practice in his native Virginia in 1746 to live in London where he became active in scientific, social, and political circles. One of the period's outstanding cartographical achievements, Mitchell's map served as the basis for the Treaty of 1783 and for the still-existing United States-Canadian border. Originally published in 1974. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.