Bidspirit auction | Celestial Diagrams, Mundus Subterraneus by

Celestial Diagrams, Mundus Subterraneus by Athanasius Kircher, 1665 - This collection includes 12 pages from Mundus Subterraneus by Athanasius Kircher, published in 1665 by J. Janssonius & Elizeum Weyerstraten in Amsterdam. The engravings are part of Kircher's comprehensive work on subterranean phenomena, including detailed depictions of wind-powered mine shafts, water machines, celestial diagrams, a furnace, and a variety of other illustrations. Kircher’s work was groundbreaking, based on his observations of the volcanic eruptions of Mount Etna and Stromboli in Sicily in 1637-1638. His conclusions about the earth's internal fire and the role of volcanoes as safety valves were revolutionary at the time. His Mundus Subterraneus speculated on many aspects of the earth’s internal structure, covering topics such as hidden lakes, subterranean rivers of fire, and volcanic activity, as well as celestial and meteorological phenomena. The work is a fascinating blend of scientific inquiry and imaginative exploration, offering a glimpse into the Renaissance understanding of the natural world. Among the engravings are: Wind-Powered Mine Shafts: Water Machines: Celestial Diagrams: The Furnace: The Sun: Kircher’s scientific approach was ahead of its time, and his work is seen as one of the first serious attempts to understand the earth’s physical structure from a geological and volcanic standpoint. His theories on the earth’s internal workings, celestial mechanics, and the role of fire in the earth’s core laid the groundwork for later developments in geology and volcanology. Condition: Good overall condition of pages, with some light surface staining. Size of Engravings: Each page measures 38.5 x 25 cm (15.2 x 9.8 inches). The collection contains a total of 12 pages, each with various engravings.