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Samuel Dunn's A General Map of the World. Or Terraqueous Globe with all the New Discoveries and Marginal Delineations, Containing the Most Interesting Particulars in the Solar, Starry and Mundane System is a panoply of cartography and scientific knowledge from the late 18th century. Published by Laurie & Whittle in London on May 12, 1794, this map provides not only geographical information but also encapsulates the contemporary understanding of astronomy and celestial navigation, creating a dense and multifaceted piece.

The main feature of the map comprises two hemispheres, one titled "Western Hemisphere or the New World by Mr. D'Anville. With the New Discoveries and Several Additions," and the other "Eastern Hemisphere or the Old World by Mr. D'Anville. With the New Discoveries and Several Additions." The duality of the "New World" and the "Old World" emphasizes the period's expanding global awareness and exploration, underscored by new discoveries and additions.

Furthermore, the map traces the voyages of renowned explorers like Captain Cook, St. Allouarn, Bouvet, Bougainville, and Anson. These tracks underscore the importance of maritime exploration and colonial expeditions during this time, forming the basis of new geographical knowledge.

In addition to earthly landscapes, Dunn’s map is imbued with contemporary celestial knowledge. The upper left corner contains engraved depictions of the solar system and close-up representations of the Sun, Saturn, and Mercury as seen through a telescope. Celestial maps of the northern and southern hemispheres sit at the map's center, indicating a thorough blending of terrestrial and celestial geography.

Below the world map, Dunn includes a "Selenography or A Map of the Moon, according to Father Riccioli." He raises the debated question of whether the moon has an atmosphere and is inhabited, illustrating the active scientific discussions of the period.

Additional diagrams explain the changing of the seasons, celestial bodies like Mars and Jupiter, and intricate measurement scales. One striking feature is the "Analemma," a graphical representation depicting the Sun's position in the sky at a certain time of the day over a year's course, used for sun path diagrams and as a time correction in sundials.

The map is a testament to the era's intellectual curiosity and burgeoning scientific knowledge. It brings together geographic exploration, celestial observations, and scientific discourses, making it more than a simple map - it is a snapshot of the understanding of the world in the late 18th century.