L'isthme de Panama / Examen historique et géographique des différentes directions suivant lesquelles on pourrait le percer et des moyens à y employer; suivi d'un aperçu sur l'isthme de Suez.

An extended historical and geographical survey evaluates Central America's isthmian options for an interoceanic canal and offers a comparative overview of Suez. Five corridors are examined: Tehuantepec, a route from the Bay of Honduras, the Lake Nicaragua–San Juan axis, several alignments across the Panama region (Chagres, Porto-Belo, Mandinga, Boca del Toro–Chiriqui), and the Darien–Atrato valley, with notes on distances and narrowings. The analysis highlights mountainous barriers, chiefly the Andes and local uplands, and assesses elevations to be surmounted. Rivers, lakes and harbors are reviewed as water and transit assets and engineering measures such as canals, locks and water-raising are discussed. The work stresses careful surveys and practical engineering judgment before any project.