JF Ptak Science Books Quick Post
This is an odd entry for the History of Blank, Empty and Missing Things category as it relates both to making things missing and finding them again. In this instance the topic is maps and puzzles, where both actions of making things blank and restoring them are intentional. The first item on display–a sample from a “dissected” map patent from 1873, shows both an unusual “blank map” (a template simply waiting for a face) and the ability to remove part of the whole or the entire thing itself–and then of course replace/return the pieces. But I must admit the original image (below) had that appeal of being mostly an unintentionally absurd item, a blank jigsaw in a frame.
Source: Google Patents http://www.google.com/patents/US142338?dq=puzzle