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TERRESTRIAL AND CELESTIAL
GLOBES
THEIR HISTORY AND CONSTRUCTION
INCLUDING A CONSIDERATION OF THEIR
VALUE AS AIDS IN THE STUDY OF
GEOGRAPHY AND ASTRONOMY
BY
EDWARD LUTHER STEVENSON, PH.D., LL.D.
MEMBER OF
THE HISPANIC SOCIETY OF AMERICA
VOLUME II
[Illustration]
NEW HAVEN: PUBLISHED FOR
THE HISPANIC SOCIETY OF AMERICA BY THE
YALE UNIVERSITY PRESS
LONDON · HUMPHREY MILFORD · OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
MDCCCCXXI
COPYRIGHT, 1921, BY
THE HISPANIC SOCIETY OF AMERICA
Table of Contents
PAGE
List of Illustrations vii
Chapter X: Globes and Globe Makers of the Early
Seventeenth Century. The Dutch Scientific
Masters and Their Preëminent Leadership. 1
The shifting of globe making interest to the northwest of
Europe at the close of the sixteenth century.--The Van
Langrens as leaders.--Jodocus Hondius and his son
Henricus.--Willem Jansz. Blaeu and his sons, John and
Cornelius.--The Ferreri armillary sphere.--Globes of Peter
Plancius.--Isaac Habrecht.--Globes of Mattheus Greuter and
their reproduction by Rossi.--Manfredus Settàla.--Abraham
Goos.--Adam Heroldt.
Chapter XI: Globes of the Second Half of the Seventeenth
Century 72
Certain striking tendencies exhibited in the matter of
globe making in this period.--The Gottorp
globes.--Weigel's globes.--Carlo Benci.--Amantius
Moroncelli.--Castlemaine's immovable globe.--The armillary
of Treffler.--Armillary sphere of Gian Battista
Alberti.--The numerous globes of P. Vincenzo
Coronelli.--Certain anonymous globes of the
period.--Johannes Maccarius.--Jos. Antonius
Volpes.--Vitale Giordani.--George Christopher
Eimmart.--Giuseppe Scarabelli.--Giovanni Battista.--Joseph
Moxon.--The Chinese globes of Peking.
Chapter XII: Globes and Globe Makers of the First
Half of the Eighteenth Century--from Delisle
to Ferguson 137
Activities of Guillaume Delisle.--Jean Dominique Cassini
and his reforms.--Vincenzo Miot.--The globes of Gerhard
and Leonhard Valk.--Activities of John Senex.--Nicolas
Bion.--The armillary sphere of Carmelo Cartilia.--Mattheus
Seutter of Augsburg.--Robert Morden.--Jean Antoine
Nollet.--Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr of
Nürnberg.--Terrestrial globe of Cusani.--Terrestrial
globes of Siena.--The work of the monk Pietro Maria da
Vinchio.--James Ferguson of Scotland.
Chapter XIII: Globes and Globe Makers of the Second
Half of the Eighteenth Century 175
Few globe makers of striking distinction in this
period.--An apparent decrease in scientific interest in
globes, but an apparent increase in popular
interest.--Gilles and Didier Robert de Vaugondy.--The work
of Desnos.--Globes of Gian Francesco Costa the
Venetian.--Globes of Akerman and Akrel.--The French globe
makers Rigobert Bonne and Lalande.--Charles Messier and
Jean Fortin.--Globes of George Adams the Elder, of George
Adams the Younger, and of Dudley Adams.--Small globes of
Nathaniel Hill.--The work of Innocente Alessandri and
Pietro Scaltaglia.--Charles Francis
Delamarche.--Manuscript globes of Vincenzo
Rosa.--Geographer and globe maker Giovanni Maria
Cassini.--Globes of William Cary.
Chapter XIV: The Technic of Globe Construction--Materials
and Methods 196
General problems to be met.--Development from the simple
armilla to the complex sphere.--The references of Ptolemy,
Leontius Mechanicus, Alfonso.--Behaim's leadership in
practical globe making.--Materials employed.--Experiments
in map projection.--The beginning and rapid development of
globe-gore construction.--Various examples of early gore
maps.--Equatorial polar and ecliptic polar
mountings.--Special features of celestial globe
maps.--Globe mountings.--Varying sizes of globes.--The
uses of globes.--Moon globes and planetariums.
Bibliographical List 220
Index of Globes and Globe Makers 249
General Index 276
List of Illustrations
_Frontispiece._ Rembrandt's Philosophers VOL. II
FIG. CHAPTER X PAGE
88. Terrestrial Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1600. _From original
in Library of Henry E. Huntington, New York_ 4
89. Celestial Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1600. _From original
in Library of Henry E. Huntington, New York_ 8
90. Dedication Appearing on Globe of Jodocus Hondius,
1600 6
91. Terrestrial Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1618. _From original
in collection of The Hispanic Society of America,
New York_ 14
92. Portrait of Willem Jansz. Blaeu. _From engraving by
Falck_ 18
93. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1606. _From
original in collection of The Hispanic Society of America,
New York_ 30
94. Terrestrial and Celestial Globes of Willem Jansz. Blaeu,
1616. _From originals in collection of The Hispanic
Society of America, New York_ 32
95. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622. _From
original in collection of The Hispanic Society
of America, New York_ 34
96. Section of Jodocus Hondius World Map, 1611. _From
Stevenson's reproduction_ 40
97. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622. _From
original in Chigi Library, Rome_ 44
98. Celestial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622. _From original
in Liceum Foscarini, Venice_ 44
98a. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, ca. 1640.
_From original in Royal Library, Madrid_ 66
98b. Celestial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, ca. 1640.
_From original in Royal Library, Madrid_ 66
99. Portrait of Peter Plancius. _From an old print_ 46
100. Terrestrial Globe of Peter Plancius, 1614. _From original
in Astronomical Museum, Rome_ 48
101. Terrestrial Globe of Isaac Habrecht, 1625. _From original
in the collection of The Hispanic Society of America,
New York_ 50
102. Terrestrial Globe of Mattheus Greuter, 1632. _From original
in the collection of The Hispanic Society of America,
New York_ 54
103. Terrestrial Globe of Mattheus Greuter, 1638. _From original
in the collection of The Hispanic Society of America,
New York_ 62
103a. Terrestrial Globe of Dominico Rossi (Mattheus Greuter),
1695. _From original in the collection of The Hispanic
Society of America, New York_ 64
103b. Celestial Globe of Dominico Rossi (Mattheus Greuter),
1695. _From original in the collection of The Hispanic
Society of America, New York_ 64
CHAPTER XI
104. The Gottorp Armillary Sphere, 1657. _From original in the
National Museum, Copenhagen_ 74
105. Terrestrial Globe of Silvester Amantius Moroncelli, 1672.
_From original in Marciana Library, Venice_ 84
106. Manuscript Celestial Globe (Moroncelli?), Late Seventeenth
Century. _From original in Library of William R.
Hearst, New York_ 92
107. Portrait of Earl of Castlemaine. _From an old print_ 94
108. Globe of Earl of Castlemaine, 1679. _From Coronelli's
Epitome Cosmografica_ 94
109. Globe of Christopher Treffler, 1683. _From Coronelli's
Epitome Cosmografica_ 95
110. Portrait of P. Vincenzo Coronelli. _From his Atlante
Veneto_ 98
111. Emblem of the Venetian Accademia Cosmografica degli
Argonauti. _From Coronelli's Atlante Veneto_ 100
112. Terrestrial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli, 1688. _From
original in Marciana Library, Venice_ 110
113. Celestial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli, 1688. _From
original in Marciana Library, Venice_ 112
114. Terrestrial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli, 1688. _From
original in Landesmuseum, Zürich_ 114
115. Terrestrial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli, 1696. _From
original in collection of The Hispanic Society
of America, New York_ 116
115a. Terrestrial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli, 1693. _From
original in Academy of Sciences, Turin_ 118
115b. Celestial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli, 1693. _From
original in Academy of Sciences, Turin_ 120
116. Portrait of Joseph Moxon. _From his Mechanick Exercises_ 124
117. Ancient Mongolian Armillary Sphere, ca. 1274. _From
Thompson's Illustrations of China_ 130
117a. Armillary Sphere and Celestial Globe of Ferdinand
Verbiest, 1673. _From Thompson's Illustrations
of China_ 132
CHAPTER XII
118. Terrestrial Globe of Guillaume Delisle, 1700. _From
original in Royal Library, Madrid_ 140
118a. Terrestrial Globe of Johann Ludovicus Andreae, 1717.
_From original in City Historical Museum, Frankfurt_ 138
119. Portrait of Jean Dominique Cassini. _From an old print_ 142
120. Terrestrial Globe of Gerhard and Leonhard Valk, 1750 (?).
_From original in collection of The Hispanic Society
of America, New York_ 144
120a. Southern Hemisphere Celestial Globe by Gerhard and
Leonhard Valk, with Author and Date Legend, 1750 (?).
_From original in collection of The Hispanic Society
of America, New York_ 146
121. Terrestrial Globe of Gerhard and Leonhard Valk, 1750 (?).
_From original in collection of The Hispanic
Society of America, New York_ 148
121a. Celestial Globe of Gerhard and Leonhard Valk, 1750 (?).
_From original in collection of The Hispanic
Society of America, New York_ 150
122. Terrestrial Globe of John Senex, 1793. _From original in
Royal Library, Madrid_ 152
123. Portrait of Nicolas Bion. _From an old print_ 142
124. Terrestrial Globe of Mattheus Seutter, 1710. _From original
in Astronomical Museum, Rome_ 154
125. Celestial Globe of Mattheus Seutter, 1710. _From original
in Astronomical Museum, Rome_ 156
125a. Terrestrial Globe of Van Lauen Zonen, 1745. _From original
in City Historical Museum, Frankfurt_ 158
126. Terrestrial Globe of Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr, 1728.
_From original in collection of The Hispanic Society of
America, New York_ 160
126a. Celestial Globe of Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr, 1728.
_From the original in collection of The Hispanic Society
of America, New York_ 162
126b. Celestial Globe of Johann Puschner, 1730. _From original
in Math. Phys. Salon, Dresden_ 164
127. Portrait of James Ferguson. _From an old print_ 168
127a. Pocket Globe of James Ferguson, 1750 (?). _From original
in collection of The Hispanic Society of America,
New York_ 170
127b. Terrestrial Globe of Herman Moll, 1705. _From original
in collection of The Hispanic Society of America,
New York_ 170
CHAPTER XIII
128. Terrestrial Globe of Pietro Rosini, 1762. _From original in
the University Library, Bologna_ 180
129. Armillary Sphere of Jean Fortin, 1780. _From original in
collection of The Hispanic Society of America, New
York_ 184
129a. Globe of L. C. Desnos, 1782. _From original, Piacenza_ 178
130. Terrestrial Globe of George Adams, 1782. _From original
in Astronomical Museum, Rome_ 186
130a. Terrestrial Globe of Nathaniel Hill, 1754. _From original
in New York Public Library_ 188
131. Terrestrial Globe of Giovanni Maria Cassini, 1790. _From
original in Astronomical Museum, Rome_ 192
132. Anonymous Terrestrial Globe, ca. 1800. _From original in
collection of The Hispanic Society of America, New
York_ 194
CHAPTER XIV
133. Astrolabe. _From Joseph Moxon, A Tutor to Astronomy
and Geography, 1695_ 197
134. Globe Gores of Henricus Glareanus, 1527. _From his
Geographia liber unus_ 203
135. Gore Map of Leonardo da Vinci, ca. 1515 206
136. Anonymous Globe Gores in Plane Map Construction, ca.
1550. _From original manuscript in John Carter Brown
Library, Providence_ 206
137. Portrait of Johann Hevelius (Hevel). _From his Prodromus_ 208
138. Constellation of Orion by Hevelius. _From his Prodromus_ 212
139. Constellation Ursa Major. _From Apianus Cosmographicus
liber, 1529_ 210
140. Terrestrial Globe Gores by Johannes Oterschaden, ca.
1675. _From original in collection of The Hispanic
Society of America_ 214
141. Celestial Globe Gores by Johannes Oterschaden, ca. 1675.
_From original in collection of The Hispanic Society of
America_ 216
142. Engraved Sections for Globe Horizon Circle by Johannes
Oterschaden, ca. 1675. _From original in collection of
The Hispanic Society of America_ 216
143. The Orrery. _From an engraving by William Pether after
engraving by Joseph Wright_ 218
CHAP. TAILPIECES
X. Armillary Sphere. _From Blagrave, Mathematical Jewel,
1585_ 71
XII. Ship. _From Jodocus Hondius' World map, 1611_ 174
XIV. Printer's Mark of the Blaeu Press 219
Chapter X
Globes and Globe Makers of the Early Seventeenth Century. The Dutch
Scientific Masters and Their Preëminent Leadership
The shifting of globe making interest to the northwest of
Europe at the close of the sixteenth century.--The Van
Langrens as leaders.--Jodocus Hondius and his son
Henricus.--Willem Jansz. Blaeu and his sons, John and
Cornelius.--The Ferreri armillary sphere.--Globes of Peter
Plancius.--Isaac Habrecht.--Globes of Mattheus Greuter and
their reproduction by Rossi.--Manfredus Settàla.--Abraham
Goos.--Adam Heroldt.
As the first post-Columbian century came to its close the center of
interest in great transoceanic exploration and discovery shifted to the
northwest of Europe, to England, and to the Netherlands. Since
expeditions were daily setting sail to all shores of the world, "Quoniam
in omnes mundi plagas quotidie magis magisque navigatur," quoting the
word of the enthusiastic Hondius, the chart and globe makers found their
services in great demand, globes both terrestrial and celestial being
still regarded as essential to a navigator's complete outfit of sailing
instruments. The quick-witted Netherlanders, with well-developed
business instincts, engravers, printers, map and globe makers, set to
work to correct the old and to construct new "seamen's cards" to serve
the seafarers in their enterprises, and it was not long after entering
this field of scientific endeavor that leadership by them was clearly
attained.
Although of Danish origin, perhaps logically the Van Langren family
should have had first consideration in this chapter, since father and
sons came to be loyal supporters of their new homeland's interests, and
it was in the Netherlands where were laid the scenes of their activities
in the field here under consideration. Chronologically, however, they
had place in the preceding chapter because their work as globe makers
began in the early eighties of the sixteenth century. They, at least, be
it said to their credit, led the way, achieving some of their highest
successes in the early seventeenth century. This, too, was the time when
the Hondius, the Blaeu, the Jansson, and the Goos families came to the
front to contribute their part, in a very distinguished manner, toward
the promotion of the work so ably begun by their contemporary, Jacobus
Florentius van Langren.
Jodocus Hondius (1567-1611) was a native of Wacken (Fig. 60).[1] To this
village his parents, shortly before his birth, had fled from Ghent to
escape the persecuting hand of Count Egmont. The father, Oliver de
Hondt, a modest teacher but a man very learned in theology, had embraced
the reformed faith and therefore became an outlaw by decree of the
government. On the arrest of Egmont, he with his family returned to
Ghent, to remain but a short time, for in the year 1569 we find a
residence had been taken up at Duffel near Antwerp. In this city two
children were born, a daughter whose name is now unknown and a son
Henry, usually referred to as Henry the Elder.
Jodocus at an early age gave evidence of possessing very remarkable
talent for designing and engraving. We are told that at the age of eight
he began to apply himself to the art of portraiture, of ivory carving,
and of copper engraving, and that his father, noting the exhibition of
special talent in the son, placed him as an apprentice with an engraver
and sculptor in Antwerp. During this period of apprenticeship he
carried on his studies of the fine arts, also of Latin, Greek, and
mathematics, under the direction of his father, at the same time
applying himself to the work of map engraving. It probably was about the
year 1585 that he went to England, where, by reason of the talent he
exhibited, he found employment with the English geographers, Richard
Hakluyt and Edward Wright, during which period he appears to have
engraved and printed a small world map in hemispheres. In the year 1592
he returned to Amsterdam, where he established himself as an engraver
and printer, turning his attention especially to the issue of
geographical maps.[2] Among his friends he numbered the men most
prominent in his field, notably Petrus Bertius, very learned as a
geographer, and Petrus Montanus.[3] It appears to have been Bertius who
informed him of the intention of the heirs of Mercator to dispose of
that illustrious geographer's engraving and printing establishment, and
who perhaps negotiated the sale of the same. At any rate, we find that
in the year 1604 Jodocus Hondius came into possession of the Mercator
copper plates of the Ptolemy maps, and at the same time he seems also to
have acquired the greater part of the edition of Mercator's 'Atlas' of
1602 then remaining unsold. In the year 1605 Hondius prepared and issued
a third edition of the Ptolemy maps; in 1606 he issued a third edition
of Mercator's 'Atlas'; in 1608 he published a fourth edition; in 1609
and in 1610 other editions.[4] It must have been in the year 1611 that
he issued his great world map in two hemispheres, bearing the title
"Novissima ac exactissima totius orbis terrarum descriptio magna cura &
industria ex optimis quibusque tabulis Geographicis et Hydrographicis
nuperrimisque doctorum virorum observationibus duobus planisphaerijs
delineata. Auct. I. Hondio." This work has been recently issued in a
superb facsimile of the only known extant original copy, now in the
possession of Prince Maximilian of Waldburg zu Wolfegg-Waldsee.[5] Of
such superior excellence is the work of Hondius, as exhibited in this
masterpiece, that it justly entitles him to first place among those who,
up to this date, had undertaken to construct world maps.
It seems to have been early in his career as engraver and printer that
he prepared his first globe gores and issued his first celestial globe.
The director of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of Nürnberg, in
courteous communication, reports that in the rich collection of that
institution there is a Hondius globe of the year 1592, which date, if
accurately read, makes this to be the only known copy of what must be
taken as his first issue. The map is a colored copper engraving covering
a ball of wood having a diameter of 60 cm. The mounting of the globe,
which clearly is the original, consists of the usual circles, resting
upon six wooden support columns. A more detailed description of this
particular example it has not been possible to obtain.[6]
Not until the year 1600 does there appear to have been a second issue of
his globes. Of this second issue a remarkably fine pair (Figs. 88, 89)
was recently acquired by Mr. Henry E. Huntington of New York City.[7]
Excepting very slight damage to the celestial globe in the north polar
region, they may be said to be in practically as fine condition as they
were when first given out from the master's workshop. Their complete
history has not been obtainable, but so remarkably well preserved are
they that it seems quite probable they have been kept through all these
years in the library case of some rich Italian treasure-loving family.
There cannot be the slightest doubt of their age, certainly none of the
age of the spheres themselves, but the exact date of the bronze
mounting, though clearly in the style of certain Italian workmanship of
the period, is less easy to determine. These globes have a diameter of
about 34 cm. and an entire height, including the base, of 73 cm. The
spheres on which have been pasted the twelve engraved gores are of
papier-mâché, over which is a covering of plaster and a coating of thick
varnish or shellac giving a smooth surface for the terrestrial and the
celestial maps. To each, color was artistically applied by hand, which
still retains a richness of tone. Each is supplied with a bronze
meridian and horizon circle and with an hour circle attached in the
accustomed manner at the north pole. These circles are appropriately
graduated, the horizon circle having, in addition to its graduation into
three hundred and sixty degrees, a series of concentric circles
engraved, counting from the outermost, with the names of the winds,
compass directions in the Dutch language, the names of the months, and
the signs of the zodiac. Each sphere with its circles is carried on a
base composed of three artistically designed and engraved bronze
supports, these being attached at their lower extremities by an
appropriately designed plate, and in this plate has been set a compass,
still apparently in perfect condition, the dial face of this compass
having a diameter of 8 cm. Aside from their scientific value for the
student of geography and of astronomy, these are fit pieces to adorn the
library shelves of a prince among American book collectors, as they
must, in keeping with the custom of the time, have once adorned the
shelves of an Italian patrician book lover.
[Illustration: Fig. 88. Terrestrial Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1600.]
[Illustration: Fig. 89. Celestial Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1600.]
The terrestrial globe has the following dedication: "Illustrissimo
Principi D^o Mauritio à Nassau, Principi Auraico, Comiti à Nassau, etc.
Gubernatori Provinciarum Foederatar[=u] Summoque Praefecto mari Inferioris
Germaniae Domino suo colendissimo. Jod. Hondius Flander L. M. D. D. Cum
privilegio decem annorum." "To the illustrious Prince D. Maurice of
Nassau, Prince of Orange, Knight of Nassau, etc. Governor of the
Federated Provinces and High Prefect of the Lower German Ocean, his Most
Worshipful Master, Jodocus Hondius dedicates (this globe). With
privilege for ten years." This dedication is placed within an artistic
cartouch (Fig. 90) which is surmounted with the coat of arms of the
Princes of Nassau, to which appropriate colors have been added. To the
left of the above is an address to the reader: "Iod. Hond. Lectori S.
P. Quoniam crebriores in omnes mundi partes quotidie navigationes
institu[=u]t unde situs ejusdem certius perspicitur atque innotescit;
nemini idcirco mirum spero visum iri, si haec nostri globi descriptio ab
aliis antehac in lucem editis plurim[=u] discrepet. Quin uti par est,
nostrae diligentiae et curae favebit, qua recens patefacta et cognita,
qua directiones, latitudines et similia c[=o]gruenter distincta suis locis
habentur. Quod ipsum in ducendis lineis Directorii fecimus et peritis
cumulate satisfactum confidimus. Postremo lector[=e] benev. rogam^9 ut si
quam loci alicujis pleniorem notitiam habeat eandem nobisc[=u],
proveh[=e]di boni publici gratia, lubens comunicet. vale." "Hondius to
the reader greeting. Inasmuch as frequent voyages into all parts of the
world are undertaken every day, whereby the several locations (of
places) are more certainly seen and are made known, I hope therefore no
one will be surprised to find this delineation on our globe very
different from that on most others previously issued. But who, as is
right, will not prefer our diligence and care, whereby recently
discovered and known lands, and whereby directions, latitudes, and such
like are all properly distinguished and are to be found in their places.
What we have done in drawing the lines of direction, we trust will be
satisfactory on the whole to experts. Finally, we ask the kind reader
that, if he has fuller knowledge of any place, that of his own free will
he will communicate the same to us, to the end of advancing the public
welfare. Farewell." Within the Arctic circle and north of North America
is the title and date legend reading "Globus Terrestris de integri
revisus & emendatus an. 1600." "Globe of the entire earth revised and
corrected in the year 1600." To the right of the dedicatory legend we
find instruction given as to the method of finding the direction from
one place to another, of which one may be desirous of having knowledge;
it reads: "Modus investigandi locor[=u] direction[=e]. Duorum locorum in
hoc globo quorum directionem scire cupis hoc est in quam coeli partem
alter ab altero vergat, primo longitudinis et latitudinis differentiam
notabis, qua cognita vertas globum donec Rhumbus aliquis intersecet
meridianum in latitudin[=e] primi loci, deinde volvas versus Ortum aut
Occasum, prout res postulat, donec gradus aequatoris numero aequales
differentiae longitudinis duor[=u] locorum meridianum pertranseant
postea vide num ass[=u]ptus Rhumbus intersecet meridianum in latitudine
loci. Quod si fecerit hic est horum locor[=u] Rhumbus sive linea
directionem indicans: sin secus, alius assumendus est, usque dum
occurrat qui hoc praestiterit. Subjecimus scalam longitudinum." "Of two
places on this globe whose direction from one another you are desirous
of knowing, that is in what part of the heavens the one diverges from
the other, first of all note the difference of latitude and longitude.
This ascertained turn the globe until some one rhumb cuts the meridian
in the latitude of the first place, then turn to the east or to the west
as is required, until the degrees of the equator through which the
meridians of the places pass equal in number the difference in longitude
of the two places. Then note whether the selected rhumb cuts the
meridian in the latitude of the place. If it does so then this is the
rhumb of these places or the line which shows the required direction:
but if it does not then another rhumb must be chosen until the condition
is satisfied. We subjoin a scale of longitudes." Other legends,
describing briefly some event in the history of discovery, or describing
briefly the characteristic features of some locality, are exceedingly
numerous. As a record of the geographical knowledge of the time, this
Hondius terrestrial globe map may justly be referred to as one of the
most valuable of the period.
[Illustration: Fig. 90. Dedication Appearing on Globe of Jodocus
Hondius, 1600.]
For astronomical study the celestial globe is none the less valuable and
interesting than is the terrestrial for the study of geography. Its
descriptive title reads: "Globus coelestis. In quo Stellae fixae omnes
quae a N. viro Tycone Brahe s[=u]ma industria ac cura observatae sunt
accuratissime designantur: nec non ea quae a peritis. nauclero Petro
Theodori. Mateseos studioso annotatae sunt." "Celestial globe, in which
all of the fixed stars which were observed by the illustrious Tycho
Brahe, with great care and industry, are most accurately shown for the
scientific student: also those which were noted by the distinguished
navigator Peter Theodorus." The dedication differs somewhat from that on
the terrestrial globe and reads: "Clarissimis Belgii luminibus
sapientiae doctrinae et verae pietatis officinis Academiae Lugdunensis
Batavorum et Francveriensis. Hos globos ad Mathematicas artes
promovendas manu propria à se caelatas luculentissime dedicat
consacratque Jodocus Hondius ann. 1600." "To the most renowned lights of
Belgium, fountains of wisdom, of doctrine and of true piety, of the
Academy of Leiden and of Frankfurt these globes, for the promotion of
the mathematical arts and constructed with his own hands, are dedicated
and consecrated by Jodocus Hondius in the year 1600." The several
constellations are artistically represented in appropriate figures which
include, in addition to those of Ptolemy, a considerable number in the
southern hemisphere, for which, as the author states, he made use of the
observations of the navigator Theodorus. That star in the constellation
Cassiopeia, which so greatly interested Tycho Brahe, has a special but
brief legend distinguishing it, reading "Stella mirabilis quae insolito
prae aliis fulgore a^o 1572 p. an. et trientem apparuit." "Remarkable
star which appeared with brightness beyond all others in the year 1572
and for a year and one third."
A second pair of Hondius' globes of the year 1600 is reported as
belonging to Count Rocco Giannini of Lucca. Fiorini says of them that
they have mountings of bronze, resembling in this respect the pair
described above, but he adds that they are without inscriptions of
special note.[8] Either the information which he received concerning
them was inaccurate or there exists a very marked difference between
these pairs, the only ones it has been possible to locate.
In the year 1601 Hondius issued a pair of globes which were somewhat
smaller than the preceding, each having a diameter of 21 cm. The
inscription on the celestial globe, in which appears the date of
construction, differs but little from that appearing on the issue of the
year 1600; it reads: "Globus coelestis in quo fixae omnes quae a N. viro
Thicone Brahe su[=m]a cura observatae sunt, accuratissime designantur
quibus adjuncta sunt circa Pol. Australe stel. quae a pertissimo
nauclero Petro Theodori. annotatae sunt simul accomodatae ad annum 1600.
editus vero 1601." "Celestial globe in which all the fixed stars which
were observed with the utmost care by the illustrious Tycho Brahe and
accurately noted, to which are added the stars around the south pole
which were observed by the skilful navigator Peter Theodorus. Adapted to
the year 1600, but edited in the year 1601." The general design of the
figures of the several constellations agrees with that of the first
edition, the chief difference lying merely in the matter of size.
On the terrestrial globe is the following dedication: "Serenissimis
Principibus Alberto et Isabellae Cla. austriacis Brabantiae Ducibus.
Jodo. Hondius. auctor et Joan Baptista Vriendt. Antuerpiae." "To the
Most Serene Rulers Albert and Isabella, the renowned Princes of Austrian
Brabant, Jodocus Hondius author and John Baptist Veen (dedicate this
globe). Antwerp."
The author has added a rather lengthy address to the reader, in which is
interesting reference to the difficult problem of determining the
longitude of places.[9] "Hondius Lectori S. In locorum longitudine
hactenus mirifice peccatum esse hydrographiae peritis satis constat:
Regiones enim fere omnes descriptae sunt prout naucleri in suis
navigationibus directionem duorum locorum ab uno loco ad alterum
invenerunt, idque nulla habita ratione loci tertii, vel deviationis acus
nauticae, vel etiam directorii nautici, quo indifferenter utuntur,
quamvis in uno non aeque ac in alio chalyben ille acus ponatur, et a
vero septentrione magis vel minus divertatur, pro uso loci in quo
directoria fabbricata sunt, unde necessario longitudo locorum distorta
est. Multi hos errores frustra conati sunt emendare per polares stellas,
alii per Lunae cursum, alii certius per eclipses. Verum hoc opus, ille
labor. Quis enim in tanta locorum multitudine eclipses observabit? At
cum jam tandem per variationem, aut deviationem acus nauticae, ut
vocant, locorum, longitudo inveniatur, operae praetium me facturum
putavi si in hoc globo regiones omnes (saltem quarum longitudo jam
cognita est) suis quas[=q] veris longitudinis gradibus delineavero,
quamvis id non exigui laboris fuerit. Longitudines incepimus non ab
Insulis Fortunatis ut Ptolomeus, sed ab iis quae açores vocantur quod
acus nautica ibi recta in septentrionem vergat. Vale. Anno 1601."
"Hondius to the reader greeting. In the matter of the longitude of
places all hydrographers, it is agreed, have blundered marvelously,
since nearly all regions have been described as navigators, in their
voyages, found the direction from one to another, of any two places,
without reckoning having been taken from a third place, or account
having been taken of the variation of the nautical needle, or even of
nautical direction, which they indefinitely make use of, although in one
place the needle does not point exactly as in another, being deflected
more or less from the true north according to the usage of the country
in which the compass card employed was made, and thus the longitude of
places is made to vary. Many have tried in vain to eliminate these
errors by the polar stars. Others have tried to do the same by noting
the course of the moon, and others again, with more certainty, by
observations of eclipses; but all this is with much labor, and who will
be able thus to get an accurate observation? But now since the longitude
of places has been sought through the variation or deviation of the
needle, as they say, I thought it would be a work of merit if I noted on
this globe all the regions (at least all whose longitude is known) each
with its own degree of longitude although knowing this would be no
little labor. We have begun our reckoning of longitude not from the
Fortunate Islands, as did Ptolemy, but from those which are called the
Azores, because there the nautical needle points directly to the north.
Farewell. In the year 1601."
These globes of 1601 are composed of a hollow wooden shell, over which
have been pasted the twelve engraved gores. They are mounted on
well-constructed bases of copper from which rise the supports for the
horizon circle, on the surface of which are the usual graduations, the
calendar and zodiacal representations. The meridian circles are of
brass, are graduated, and have in addition the engraved designations
"Zona torrida," "Zona temperata," "Zona frigida." An example of each of
these globes of 1601 may be found in the Museo Municipale of Milan, and
one of the celestial globes in the library of the Seminario Vescovile of
Rimini.
In the year 1613, shortly after the death of Jodocus Hondius, there was
issued in Amsterdam, by Adrian Veen[10] and Jodocus Hondius, Jr., a
terrestrial and a celestial globe, each having a diameter of about 56
cm. The dedication of the first reads: "Illustrissimis, Nobilissimis,
Amplissimis et Prudentissimis Federatarum Inferioris Germaniae
Provinciarum Ordinibus ac Patribus Patriae Dominis Suis Clementissimis
Dedicabant Jodocus Hondius Junior et Adrianus Veen. In the year 1613."
"To the Most Illustrious, Most Noble, Most Exalted, Most Prudent Lords
of the Federated Provinces of the Netherlands, and Fathers of their
Country, their Most Benign Masters, Jodocus Hondius Jr. and Adrian Veen
dedicate (this globe)." The title of the terrestrial globe is given as
"Globus terrestris summa cura ac diligentia a Jodoco Hondio piae
memoriae inchoatus, globosis autem directorii nautici lineis ab Adriano
Venone ad usum navigantium accomodatus, illiusque et Jodoci Hondii
junioris ope et industria absolutus atque perfactus. Amsterodami 1613."
"Terrestrial globe begun with great care and diligence by Jodocus
Hondius of pious memory, furnished with the lines of nautical direction
(loxodromes) for the use of navigators, by Adrian Veen, and finished by
the industry and labor of the same and of Jodocus Hondius, Jr. Amsterdam
1613." It seems probable that the Jodocus Hondius here referred to was
Henricus Hondius, who for reasons of business had taken the name of his
father, affixing the word "Junior."
The celestial globe to accompany the above terrestrial has the title,
"Globus coelestis in quo stellae fixae omnes, quae a Nob. viro Tychone
Brahe summa industria ac cura observatae sunt, accuratissima
designantur, nec non circa polum austrum eae quae a Peritiss. nauclero
Petro Theodorico et Friderico Houtmanno Mathessos studioso annotatae
sunt." "Celestial globe on which are accurately depicted all the fixed
stars that were observed by the illustrious Tycho Brahe, with great
industry and care: also those stars around the south pole which were
noted for the scientific student by the skilful navigator Peter
Theodorus, and by Frederick Houtmann." Surmounting the cartouch
containing the above title is a portrait of Tycho Brahe with the legend
"Effigies Nob. viri Tychonis Brahe Dani Domini de Knudstrup. Summi
Mathematici. Aetatis 47." "Portrait of the illustrious Tycho Brahe,
Danish Lord of Knudstrup, the great mathematician, in his 47th year."
The dedication of this globe differs somewhat from the former, reading,
"Illustrissimis, Amplissimis, Clarissimisque D. D. Dominis Ordinibus
Provinciarum Foederis Belgici, Do[=n]is suis Clementissimis in assiduae
Gratitudinis memoriam, Dant Dedicantque Adrianus Veen et Jodocus Hondius
Junior. Anno 1613." "To the Illustrious, the Great, the Renowned Lords
of the Provinces of United Belgium, their Most Benign Masters, as a
token of constant gratitude, Adrian Veen and Jodocus Hondius Jr. give
and dedicate (this globe). In the year 1613." There is evidence that
Hondius drew from the work of Willem Jansz. Blaeu for certain features
of this edition, in which he followed a practice of the time. Frequent
complaint is to be met with, that this borrowing was not always done
with the proper note of credit. We find, for example, that in the year
1608 Blaeu presented a special plea to the States of Holland and West
Friesland that he be made secure against the loss caused by pirated
editions of his works. He informed the States that he had given himself
hope of being able to support his family in an honest way, and that he
would have succeeded with God's mercy and blessing, if certain
individuals engaged in the same business had not undertaken to copy his
productions.[11] It seems probable that Blaeu's complaint touched in
some manner his large world map of the year 1605, since there is
striking resemblance between this and the world map of Hondius issued in
the year 1611, and, as noted above, we find that Jodocus Hondius' son,
signing himself Jodocus Hondius, Jr., continued to borrow from his
distinguished contemporary's work. The practice of borrowing, however,
seems to have been later reversed, when Blaeu, undoubtedly noting the
success of Hondius' large globe of 1613, decided himself to produce one
yet larger, as a result of which we have the splendid Blaeu globe of
1622.
A pair of this issue of the year 1613 may be found in the Biblioteca
Barbarini of Rome, and another pair in the Biblioteca Civico of Treviso.
An example of the celestial globe may be found in the Museo di Strumenti
Antichi di Astronomia e di Fisica of Florence.
In the year 1615 we find that Josef de Rossi of Milan undertook, without
giving proper credit, the publication of the Hondius globes of the year
1601.[12] In size there is agreement, but certain changes in dates are
to be noted, as in the address to the reader, wherein we find 1615
instead of 1601, but in other respects there has been a literal
transcription. In the celestial globe of 1601 we find the following
reference to the recorded position of the fixed stars, "Accomodata ad
annum 1600, editus vero 1601," whereas in the Rossi copy we find
"accomodatae ad annum 1614 editus vero 1615." The dedication of this
terrestrial globe of 1615 reads: "Ill^{mo} viro optimara[=q] artium
amatori et Fautori D. Paulo Mellino Romano. Josephus de Rubeis
Mediolanensis devoti animi monumentum dat dicatque." "To the Most
Illustrious, the Lover and Promoter of the best arts D. Paulus Mellinus
of Rome, Joseph de Rossi of Milan gives and dedicates this token of
devoted friendship." A copy of the terrestrial globe of 1615 may be
found in the private library of the Italian artist, Lessi, of Florence,
and a copy of the celestial globe belongs to Collegio Romano of Rome.
The Hispanic Society of America possesses a terrestrial globe signed
Jodocus Hondius and dated 1618 (Fig. 91). Jodocus the elder died in the
year 1611, and while the map of this globe may be a reprint of one which
he had engraved, it should be noted that it does not agree in all of its
details with any other known globe of his, and may therefore be the work
of the son. The sphere of papier-mâché has a diameter of 20 cm. and is
supported on a base of wood which includes a horizon circle, having
pasted on its surface the usual representations of zodiacal signs, the
calendar, and the names of the principal winds or directions. This
horizon circle rests upon four small turned legs joined at the bottom by
cross bars, covering which bars is a circular turned disc 22 cm. in
diameter, from the center of which rises a short post. Through a slot in
this post passes a graduated meridian circle within which the globe ball
revolves.
[Illustration: Fig. 91. Terrestrial Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1618.]
The map is slightly water-stained, but the American portion is
particularly well preserved. A crack in the sphere along the meridian of
150 degrees east extends from pole to pole, and is rather a
disfigurement than a serious injury to any part of the surface. The map
is a remarkably fine example of the Dutch map engraver's art. The
lettering and the continental outlines were remarkably well cut in the
copper plate used in the printing, and in many places the luster of the
ink is still preserved. In the northern part of North America is the
brief and interesting dedication "Clarissimis Consultissimique
Nauticae Belgicaeque Federatarum Inferioris Germaniae Regionum
Praefectis D. D. Jodocus Hondius." "To the most illustrious and most
prudent prefects and seamen of Belgium and of the region of lower
Germany, Jodocus Hondius gives and dedicates (this globe)." In the
"Terra Australis incognita" is the address to the reader which is
practically identical with that to be found on the Hondius terrestrial
globe of 1601, omitting, however, the word "Vale" and changing the date
to "1618." Near the entrance to Hudson's Bay is a legend reading "Huc
retrocesserunt Amstelodamensis anno 1612."
From this bay an arm extends to the southwest which is referred to as
"The bay where Hudson did winter," and an arm extends to the southeast,
which is referred to as "The Bay of Gosneres." A few other brief legends
are given, referring to an event or to events supposed to have taken
place in the locality in which they are placed. Small but artistically
engraved ships sail the Atlantic and the Pacific, and here and there a
marine animal is represented. Loxodromic lines are made a conspicuous
feature, having their crossing centers at longitudes 0, 90, 180, and 270
on the equator, likewise on the prime meridian at latitude 35 degrees
both north and south, as well as at the same latitudes on the opposite
side of the sphere, where the prime meridian becomes the meridian of 180
degrees. In addition to this example belonging to The Hispanic Society's
collection, one may be found in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of
Nürnberg.[13]
Not until the year 1640 do we find the name Hondius again appearing on a
dated globe. Attention has been called to the fact that Henricus, the
son of Jodocus, continued, with more or less diligence, the work of map
engraving and map printing, which the latter had carried on so
successfully in Amsterdam until the time of his death. We are told that
a partnership in the business, about the year 1639, was formed by
Henricus Hondius with Johan Janssonius, his brother-in-law, and that
this business, after the year 1644, passed entirely into the hands of
the latter. It was in the year 1640 that the firm referred to undertook
the reissue of the Hondius globes of earlier date. These had a diameter
of about 52 cm. The gore maps, consisting of twelve parts, were made to
extend to within twenty degrees of each pole, the polar space being
covered with the usual polar cap.
The address to the reader, to be found on the terrestrial globe of the
year 1613, is repeated on this of 1640,[14] but the dedication differs
somewhat in the two, reading, on those of the 1640 issue,
"Illustrissimis, Nobilissimis, Amplissimis et Prudentissimis
Foederatarum Inferioris Germaniae provinciarum Ordinibus ac Patribus
Patriae Dominis suis clementissimis dedicabat Henricus Hondius. Henricus
Hondius excudebat An. 1640." "To the Most Illustrious, Most Noble, Most
Exalted and Prudent Lords of the United Netherlands, the Fathers of
their Country, his Most Clement Master, Henricus Hondius dedicates (this
globe). Constructed by Henricus Hondius in the year 1640." There have
been added a number of interesting legends, such as the following:
"Inter S. Laurentii et los Romeros insulas vehemens admodum est versus
ortum et occasum fluxus et refluxus maris." "Between the islands of St.
Lawrence and Los Romeros there is an exceedingly strong ebb and flow of
the sea eastward and westward"; "Psitacorum regio sic a Lusitanis
appellata ob eorum avium ibidem magnitudinem." "The region of the
parrots, and this is so called by the Portuguese because of the great
number of these birds found here";[15] "Promontorium terrae australis
distans 450 leucas a capite Bonae Spei et 600 a S. Augustini." "This
promontory of the southern land is distant 450 leagues from the Cape of
Good Hope, and 600 from Cape St. Augustine"; "Accolae Freti Magellanici
septentrionem versus procerae, meridiem vero versus exiquae magnitidinis
reperiuntur." "The inhabitants of the Strait of Magellan toward the
north are of large size, but toward the south they are of small
stature"; "Lybia inferior quae hodie Saara appellatur quae vox idem quod
desertum significat." "Lower Lybia is called today Sahara, which word
means desert." In the Hudson Bay region we find, "In sinu Maris Hudsons
Bay vulgo dictus ubi M. Hudson hybernavit, ibidem maris aestus non ultra
duos pedes accrescebat, quod et observabit D. Thomas Jacobus a. 1631 in
sinu 'James his Bay' dicto et ubi mensuram duorum pedum non excedebat
maris tumor." "In the bend of the sea called Hudson's Bay, where Hudson
passed the winter, the tide of the sea did not rise more than two feet,
which also was observed by Thomas James in the year 1631[16] in the Bay
called James his Bay where the rise of the sea likewise did not exceed
two feet." Near the last-quoted legend we find, "Thomas Button hibernans
in portu Nelson ad altitudinem grad. 57 observavit singulis ex horis
aestum maris accrescere 15 pedes aut ultra, qui flante Zephiro solito
magis instar plenilunii intumescebat. Sequenti aestate animadvertit
quoque ad altitudinem grad. 60 similes aestus maris qui nunc orientem
versus nunc occidentem vergebant." "Thomas Button,[17] who passed the
winter in Port Nelson, at the high latitude of 57 degrees, observed hour
by hour the tide of the sea to rise 15 feet or more, which tide, with
the accustomed wind blowing, swelled very like a (spring) tide. Next
summer he noticed at a latitude of 60 degrees similar ocean tides which
now had an eastward flow and now a westward." A legend has been added
relating to the magnetic poles and to the difficulty of locating the
same, reading "Duos in hoc loco Gerardus Mercator et alii eundem secuti
posuerunt Polos magnetis, unum respectu insularum capitis viridis,
alterum respectu insulae Corvi et Floridis: cum vero de his nihil certi
sit, et quotidiana experientia nos aliter doceat de deviatione acus
nauticae ambos omissimus." "Gerard Mercator and others following him
have placed two magnetic poles in this locality, one according to the
direction indicated (by the compass needle) at the Cape Verde Islands,
the other according to the direction indicated at the Islands of Corvus
and Flores: but as nothing is known for a certainty concerning these,
and a daily experience teaches us otherwise concerning the variation of
the magnetic needle, we have omitted both poles."[18]
The globes of this edition were supplied with the usual brass meridian
circles, wooden horizon circles, on the surface of which was pasted the
printed representation of the zodiacal signs, the names of the months,
and of the principal winds or directions.
The celestial globe follows, in its records, more closely than does the
terrestrial, the issue of 1613. The title legend, the reference to Tycho
Brahe, and the reference to the star which appeared in the year 1572 in
the constellation Cassiopeia, all agree with those in the earlier
edition, as do, in the main, the representations of the figures of the
several Ptolemaic constellations and those added in the southern
hemisphere. The dedication reads, "Illustrissimis Nobilissimis
Amplissimis Clarissimisque D. D. Dominis Ordinibus Provinciarum Foederis
Belgici Dominis suis Clementissimis in assiduae gratitudinis memoriam
dat, dicat dedicatque Illustriss. Amplit. Vest. devotus Henricus
Hondius." "To the Most Illustrious, Most Noble, Most Exalted, Most
Renowned Lords of the United Provinces of Belgium, his Most Clement
Masters, as a memorial of constant gratitude, gives and dedicates to
Your Illustrious Highnesses (this globe). Henricus Hondius."
A copy of each of these globes of 1640 may be found in the library of
the Seminario Vescovile of Portogruaro, a copy of each in the Biblioteca
Quiriniana of Brescia, and one of each, though undated, in the Museo
Civico of Vicenza.
If the Van Langren family and the Hondius family brought renown to their
country through the excellence of their work in the field of
cartography, so likewise did the Blaeu family, father and sons. Perhaps
to Willem Jansz. Blaeu (Fig. 92) and his son, John, belongs first
place in the long line of distinguished map and globe makers of the
Netherlands.[19]
[Illustration: Fig. 92. Portrait of Willem Jansz. Blaeu.]
A record which finds general acceptance tells us that Willem Blaeu was
born in the village of Alkmaar in the year 1571.[20] Of his childhood
years very little is known. It was some time in his early boyhood that
he went to Amsterdam, where he found employment, it appears, at first in
the house of a Holland merchant, and later as a joiner's apprentice. We
can be certain neither of the time when he decided to leave Amsterdam,
nor of the exact circumstances which induced him to visit the island of
Hveen, then belonging to Denmark, an event of much significance in his
life. We, however, cannot be far wrong in asserting the promptings for
this visit to have been his early liking for mathematical, geographical,
and astronomical studies. It was here that he first came into intimate
relations with Tycho Brahe, the famous Danish astronomer, who, in the
year 1576, through princely favor, came into possession of this island,
and, as before noted, had erected here his remarkably well-appointed
astronomical observatory, which he called Uranienburg.[21] For nearly a
quarter of a century this was one of the most famous centers in all
Europe for the study of astronomical science and of its practical
application. Blaeu, however, was not the first of the young
Netherlanders to find the way to Uranienburg to receive instruction from
the great master.[22] Of his sojourn on the island we have but little
direct information. It appears certain that he passed at least two years
with Tycho, engaged the while in study and in the construction of
mathematical and astronomical instruments. That the relations between
the two distinguished scientists continued to be of the most friendly
character after Blaeu returned to Amsterdam is very certain. Not a few
of those who in later years praised Blaeu's scientific attainments refer
to him as "the pupil and longtime friend of Brahe," and Blaeu himself,
in certain legends appearing on his globes and maps, refers to him as
his teacher. It cannot be doubted that Blaeu owed to his abode on the
Island of Hveen the real foundation of his scientific knowledge, both in
the field of geography and astronomy, as well as his knowledge of the
construction and the skilful use of mathematical instruments. We have
reason for believing that a number of the instruments which served the
great astronomer in his investigations[23] were the work of Blaeu, and
it is an interesting fact, as we know, that Brahe's observations, here
made, formed the basis for Kepler's calculations, leading him to the
discovery of the laws which immortalized his name.[24]
It was perhaps late in the year 1596 or early in the year 1597 that
Blaeu returned to Amsterdam, where he soon established himself as a
maker of mathematical instruments, of maps and of globes, and as an
engraver and printer. There is good reason for thinking that from the
first he prospered in his undertakings, and, from incidental references
to his activities, it may be inferred that it was not long after 1600 he
was in his own fully equipped house. From his presses numerous works
were issued, the many examples of which, still adorning the shelves of
most prominent libraries, are a monument to his great abilities.
On his 'Paescarte,' one of his earliest publications,[25] and usually
referred to the year 1606, we read that it was "Ghedruckt t' Amsterdam
bij Willem Janssoon op't Waeter inde Sonnewijser," a location often
referred to in certain later publications as "op' t water In de vergulde
Sonnewyser," reference here being to the gilded sundial which, as a
business sign, adorned the gable of his establishment. It appears that
in this originally selected locality his work was carried on until the
year 1637, when his entire plant was moved into more commodious quarters
in the Blumengracht, one year only before his death. The sons, John and
Cornelius, succeeded to the business, and to the former especially
belongs the credit of issuing the most sumptuous atlas in that period
of remarkable map making.[26] In the year 1672 practically the entire
establishment was destroyed by fire.
Willem Blaeu's training admirably fitted him to serve his country in
matters pertaining to its maritime interests, and its calls as well as
its rewards for service were not infrequent. As proof of the confidence
that his contemporaries had in his knowledge of geography and
navigation, the Estates General of Amsterdam, January 3, 1633, by
resolution, appointed him Map Maker of the Republic, an honorable
position held by him until his death, then being successively passed on
to his son and to his grandson.[27]
We are told that Tycho had given to Blaeu a copy of his astronomical
observations before their publication, that this copy was carried to
Amsterdam, and that after a careful study of the records contained
therein the latter began the practice of globe making.[28] The
implication contained in this reference is that his first work as a
globe maker was the preparation of material for a celestial globe, but
no such globe of his, bearing date earlier than 1602, is known. His
first dated work appears to have been a terrestrial globe of the year
1599. In many of its features it gives evidence that Mercator was the
master followed, notably in the representation of the loxodromic lines
which radiate from the numerous wind or compass roses, or from centers
regularly placed on the surface of the globe.
This first issue has a diameter of 34 cm., which is less than that of
Mercator's globe of the year 1541, but greater than that of the Van
Langren globe of the year 1585.[29] The gores, twelve in number, were
cut seven degrees from the poles, the polar space being covered with a
circular disc. Blaeu, as many other globe makers of his period, found
that by thus dividing the engraved globe map a more nearly perfect
covering for the sphere could be obtained. Meridians and parallels are
drawn at intervals of ten degrees, the prime meridian passing through
the island of Santa Maria in the Azores group. In a conspicuously placed
cartouch he presents his address to the reader. "Spectatori meo S. Hanc
terrae marisque faciem qui aspicis sic inspice ne dispicias: multa hic
mutata, (sed nihil temere) quae, nisi attendas, facile fugiant. Ratio
constructionis in multis nova, sed proba. Gibbum plano, planum globo
commutavimus: duplicato labori: sed certiori: idque ut ventorum spirae
justis per orbem trrarum gyris discurrerent: hinc factum ut in omnibus
terrae oris praeter parallelorum et meridianorum etiam plagae ratio
nobis fuerit habenda. Quae quidem omnia attento spectatori facile
apparebunt. Vale et fruere. Guilielmus Jansonius Alcmariensis auctor et
sculptor. 1599." "Greeting to my observer. This representation of the
earth and sea, which thou beholdest, be pleased to take note of in this
manner. Many things here have been changed, but nothing without reason,
and unless thou art attentive these things might easily escape thee. The
method of construction is in many points new, but correct. We have
changed that which is relief into the flat, and the flat into the
globular, a double labor but more nearly correct, and we did this that
the directions of the winds throughout the world might be given their
proper (loxodromic) spirals: and we have made a representation of the
coast lines of all shores of the earth, besides a representation of the
parallels and meridians. All this will be seen by the attentive
observer. Farewell, and may you be happy. William Jansz. Alcmar, author
and sculptor. 1599." Fiorini is of the opinion the expression "multa hic
mutata" in the above quoted inscription indicates that the copies in
which it is found are reprints of an earlier edition, and that it has
been inserted for the purpose of keeping the globe on sale.[30] Is not
the reference rather to this simple fact that Blaeu borrowed much of his
geographical information from others, as he admits, including Mercator
and Van Langren, and that he had merely altered the same to the end of
bringing his records to date? The dedication reads "Noblissimis,
Amplissimis, Clarissimis, D. D. Dominis Ordinibus Foederatarum
Inferioris Germaniae Provinciarum dignissimis fidis Patriae Patribus
hoc terrae marisque Theatrum L. M. Q. Dat, Dicat, Dedicat Cliens Vester
subjectis. Guilielmus Jansonius Alcmarianus." "To the Most Noble, Most
Distinguished, Most Illustrious, Lords of the United Provinces of Lower
Germany, Fathers of their Country this representation of the land and
the sea gives, grants, and delivers your humble client Willem Jansz.
Alcmar." It will be noted that the family name Blaeu was not employed in
the signature, but instead Alcmar, the name of his native place. He
apparently did not consider it essential always to employ the same name.
Sometimes he gave this as Guilielmus Jansonius Blaeu, Guil. Jansz.
Blaeu, Guiljelmus Blaeuw; sometimes he gave it as Guilielmus Janssonius
Alcmarianus, or Guil. Jansz. Alcmar; sometimes as Guiljelmus Caesius or
J. G. Caesius, in which he had classicized his name Blaeu; sometimes the
name is coupled with that of the son as Guil. et Johan Blaeu. The
legends on this globe are numerous which tell of great discoveries and
explorations, of which the principal ones are here quoted from Baudet's
readings from the Leiden copy. Near the north pole we find "Hic tandem
passi graviora Batavi, proxima tempestate diversum iam iter ingressi,
nostrum altius mundi verticem versus progressi, ignotas quaerere terras,
et si qua proprior ad Chinam aditus aggressi sunt. Mirum quid
invenerint! immane quid evenerit! Sic, macte Proles Neptunia novisque
honoribus hanc gentem nostram cumula, male coepisti, si hic sistas.
Durum hoc, sed perdura, nec cede malis sed contra audentior ito. Fata
viam expedient." "As far as this, after suffering great hardships, the
Dutch, in recent times have progressed toward the top of the world,
seeking unknown lands, and if there is any shorter way to China.
Wonderful are their discoveries! Strange things have happened! Go on, O
blessed progeny of Neptune, and add new honors to our race. You have
begun ill if you stop here. It is a hard task, but endure. Do not yield
to misfortune, but on the contrary be more daring. Fate will clear the
way."
In the same locality "Immortale nomen & gloriam incomparabilem vobis,
Columbe et Americe comparastis, Qui primi has terras (alteram orbis
partem) tot iam secula latentes adire, detegere, lustrare et utinam
perlustrare voluistis: Fruct^s vero maximos multis perperistis." "Ye
have gained an immortal name, and incomparable glory for yourselves,
Columbus and Americus, who were the first to approach these lands to
discover and disclose them (the other part of the world) unknown for so
many centuries, and I would that you had desired to explore them. You
have brought forth much fruit for the many." Another reads, "Magnam
porro gloriae partem Ferdinande Magellane, iure tibi vendicas: cui ...
vastae regionis Australem terminum quaerere eamq. freto cognimini nobis
perviam facere lubuit & licuit." "A large share of the glory thou doest
rightly claim, O Ferdinand Magellan, to whom it was pleasing and to whom
it was allowed to seek the southern bounds of a vast region, and to open
the Strait for us that bears thy name"; also a legend referring to the
Cortereals, "Utinam vero par eventus Casparo Cortereali contigisset, qui
iam ante maiori conatu quam successu transitum a Borea attentaverat: et
quoties Britannis idem fervide molientibus et aeris iniutiis gradum
revocare coactis." "I wish that like success had come to Gaspar
Cortereal, who before, with greater effort than achievement attempted to
find a passage by way of the north. Likewise to the British (I wish
success) strenuously attempting the same but forced to retreat by reason
of adverse weather."
As in the issue of his sheet maps, Blaeu was not always careful to add
an exact date of preparation, in the majority of instances, indeed,
omitting the date altogether, so also in the issue of his globes he
frequently omitted dates or gave one which we know to have been later
than was that of the original issue. His geographical records serve us,
however, as fairly accurate guides in the determination of these dates,
and what was so frequently true of the globes he constructed in the last
years of his life was true of this his first. We have, for example,
copies of this bearing date 1599, which contains geographical records of
the year 1616, indicating therefore a later reprint with a few
alterations.
It was not until the year 1603 that he undertook the preparation of a
celestial globe to serve as a companion of his first terrestrial. This
he dedicated, "Illustriss^o Principi ac Domi[=o] D. Mauritio, Principi
Auraico Comiti de Naussau etc., Marchioni Veriae et Flissingae etc.,
Domino suo Clementissimo, Hos astriferum, stellarum arte coelo
deductarum, coelum Gratus M.O.D.D.C.Q. Guilielmus Jansonius
Alcmarianus." "To the Illustrious Prince and Lord D. Maurice, Prince of
Orange, Count of Nassau, etc., Marquis of Veria and Flissingen, etc.,
his Most Benign Lord, this globe of the stars brought down from heaven
by art is gratefully dedicated by its maker with dutiful mind. Willem
Jansz. Alcmar." In his title legend he makes particular reference to his
teacher Tycho, which legend reads: "Sphaera stellifera. In qua ut
speculo quondam firmamenti Universaum Syder[=u] ornatum ac stellarum
ordinem summa, qua fieri potuit, industria a Guilielmo Jansonio, magni
Tychonis quondam discipulo, accuratissime disposititum: earumque numerum
multo quam hactenus, auctiorem ex observationibus recens. a Nob. viro D.
Tychone Brahe, astronomo inc[=o]parabili, habitis, depromta anno 1600, et
quo deinceps seculo, accommodata intueri liceat." "Celestial sphere.
Herein as in a mirror all the stars of the firmament are depicted, and
in proper order with the greatest possible industry and accuracy by
Willem Janson the former pupil of the great Tycho: their number much
increased from recent observations made by the noble D. Tycho Brahe,
that incomparable astronomer, taken from his observations made in the
year 1600, and made with an accommodation for the coming century." Near
this cartouch is a portrait of the great astronomer with his favorite
motto, "Non haberi, sed esse." Near the south pole we find a reference
to recent astronomical discoveries in the following words: "Habetis hic,
Astronomum studiosi, trecentas et plures antarctici mundi vertici
viciniores stellas, ex observationibus secundum jam a Frederico
Houtmanno, majori studio et accommodatioribus instrumentis, ad stellas a
Tychone positas factis, depromptas: auctiori numero et accuratiori
dispositione vestro commodo et delectationi depictas A. 1603." "Thou
hast here, O student of astronomy, more than three hundred stars, that
are nearest the pole of the antarctic world, from the observations made
by Frederick Houtmann with further study and with more suitable
instruments, along with the stars that were located by Tycho: this
increased number and this more accurate location having been set down
for your use and delight in the year 1603." He adds here and there a
brief legend in which he directs attention to recently discovered stars.
The purchase of a pair of these globes, that of 1599 and of 1603, was
reported in the year 1885 by Dr. Baumgärtner,[31] who refers to them as
having a diameter of 34 cm., as being well mounted and artistically
colored. On the first, he notes, are represented sea monsters swimming
in the oceans, and the natives of many of the little known regions
appear in picture, as, for example, in the region of Patagonia, near
which appears the legend, "Patagonae regio ubi incolae sunt gigantes."
"The region of Patagonia where giants live." Greenland is laid down as a
small island, as is also Corea. The region of Bering Sea shows clearly
how inexact was the knowledge of the North Pacific in his day, and the
same inexact geographic knowledge of the southern-most region of South
America and of Australia is strikingly recorded. There are slight
differences apparently existing between Dr. Baumgärtner's globes and
certain other known copies of the same date, but differences which are
of no special significance.
A pair of these globes was announced in the sales catalogue,
"Geographie cartographie & voyage, 1891," of Frederik Muller of
Amsterdam. A geographical record on the terrestrial globe clearly
indicates that it was not issued, however, until after 1616, although
dated 1599, since it contains a reference to the Van Schouten voyage of
1615-1617. It was on this voyage, says Van Schouten in his 'Journal,'
that he gave the name "Staten Lant" to that region on the left as one
enters the Lemaire Strait, and the name "Isle of Barnevelt" to the
island discovered in this strait.[32] Both of these names appear on this
globe. It has in addition an interesting legend which might be taken to
suggest that the globe was not constructed until the year 1682, although
the gores, save for this legend, may have been printed much earlier.
This legend reads, "'t Amsteldam by Joannes van Ceulen, Joanniszoon op
de hoek van de Mol-steegh, in de Nieuwen Atlas, werd gedruckt en op nieu
uytgegeven met Praevilegie ... alle de Globes en Spaeren by den Heer
Joan Blaeu Zal. nagelaten. Ao. 1682." The celestial globe seems to agree
with other known copies.
Two copies of the terrestrial globe of 1599 and two of the celestial of
1603 may be found in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of Nürnberg. A pair
may be found in the Biblioteca Angelica of Rome and a pair, reported to
be in good condition, belongs to the Biblioteca Comunale of Fano. Adam
Kästner reports, in his 'Geschichte der Mathematik,' the purchase of a
pair of this first edition of Blaeu's globes.[33] According to a
catalogue entry of objects belonging to the University of Leiden in the
year 1716 there is reference to two pairs of Blaeu's globes. Only one
pair of these, however, seems now to be known, which pair a few years
since was removed to the Astronomical Observatory.[34]
In the year 1602 Blaeu issued a terrestrial and a celestial globe, each
having a diameter of 23 cm. In a legend on his terrestrial globe he
refers to it as an improvement, doubtless meaning that he had undertaken
to bring its geographical records to date. This globe he dedicates as
follows: "Noblis^{is} Illustr^{is} Hollandiae Zelandiae ac Westphrisiae
ordinibus, P.P.P. Clementiss^{is} hanc terrae marisque aphaerum summa
diligentia accuratissime fabricatam: debiti honoris gratique animi
testimonium L.M.D.D.D. Amstelodami. Guilielmus Jansonius Blaeu. anno
1602." "To the Most Noble, Most Illustrious Princes of Holland, Zeeland
and West Friesland, Most Benign Rulers. This sphere of the earth and
sea, accurately constructed with the utmost care is dedicated by Willem
Jansz. Blaeu of Amsterdam as a testimony of honor due and of a grateful
mind. In the year 1602." Over this legend have been placed the coats of
arms of the three provinces designated and near it a legend reading, "En
denuo studiose Geographiae, terrestrem contractioriforma globum, multo,
quam ante hac unquam, emendatius et auctius confectum: a ventorum spiris
navigantium comodo, exquisitius adornatum: nec non navigationis
curriculo, ab Oliverio van Noort Batavo in orbem peracto, notatum.
Auctor Guilielmo Iansonio Blaeu." "Here again, O student of geography,
thou hast a terrestrial globe in smaller size, much smaller than ever
before, and more accurately and completely furnished, having the spiral
directions of the winds (the loxodromes) represented for the use of
navigators. These have been carefully drawn, and there is also indicated
the course of circumnavigation of the Dutchman Oliver van der Noort.[35]
Willem Jansz. Blaeu author." Van der Noort, to whom reference is made in
this legend, had started out in the year 1598, hence his expedition was
a recent event and was therefore thought worthy of reference. He sailed
through the Strait of Magellan, reached the Indies of the East, and with
four of his original ships returned to Holland in the year 1601. Blaeu,
as he states, marked on his globe the course of this expedition. The
celestial globe constructed as a companion of the former has a similar
dedication reading, "Nobilis^{is} Illust^{is} Hollandiae Zelandiae
Westphrisiae Ordinibus D. D. suis Clementis^{is} hunc astriferum
inerrantium stellarum globum, summa cura et industria adornatum debiti
ossequii et gratitudinis ... D. D. D. Guilielmus Jansonius Blaeu." "To
the Most Noble, and Illustrious Princes of Holland, Zeeland, and West
Friesland, Most Benign Rulers: this celestial globe of the fixed stars,
prepared with the greatest care and industry is dedicated as a gift of
obedience due and of gratitude. William Jansz. Blaeu." A legend somewhat
descriptive in character near the former reads, "Habes hic Astrophile
stellarum inerantium ex certis^{is} D. Ticho Brahe (mei quondam
praeceptoris) observationibus numero et dispositione prae aliis a[=n]o
1600 accomodatarum sphaeram accuratissime expolitam et Australibus
asterismis quod novum a Federico Houtmano observatis exornatam. Auctor
Guilielmo Jans^o Blaeu." "Thou hast here, O lover of the stars, a globe
of the fixed stars from the most accurate observations of D. Tycho Brahe
(my onetime preceptor) in their number and disposition, besides other
observations accommodated to the year 1600, finished and furnished with
(a representation) of the southern stars which have of late been
discovered by Frederick Houtmann. Willem Jansz. Blaeu author." Stars
varying in magnitude from the first to the sixth, receive each an
appropriate representation or sign, and there is a separate
distinguishing mark for the nebulae. To each of the constellations is
given its Latin name. In addition to the forty-eight constellations of
Ptolemy he gives the two sometimes referred to by the ancients,
"Bernice's Hair" and "Antinous," adding, with names, more than ten
constellations in the southern sky. A legend in the constellation
"Cepheus" tells us, with reference to one of its stars, "Haec stupendae
magnitudinis stella insolito fulgore anno 1572 in Cassiopeia sede
amicuit." "This star of great size and unwonted brilliancy appeared in
the Chair of Cassiopeia." In the constellation "Cygnus" is a legend
reading "Novam illam stellam quae anno 1600 primum in pectore Cygni
apparuit (atque etiam nunc immota parte) ex diligenti nostra ad eandem
Lyrae lucidae observatione Longitudo 16° 15´, latitudo 55° 30´ labore
comperimus." "The new star which in the year 1600 first appeared in the
breast of the Swan and to the present has not altogether disappeared,
this we have located, by diligent search in Lyra long. 16° 15´ and lat.
55° 30´."
By reason of the fact that so few copies of this issue are known to
exist, it has been thought that for some reason Blaeu issued a very
limited number. We know, however, that his terrestrial globes were
highly valued and were much in demand, because of the care with which
they had been prepared, because of the efforts to give information
concerning the latest discoveries, and because of his representation of
the loxodromic lines which made them of special value to navigators;
that his celestial globes found favor by reason of the fact that he was
known to be a pupil of Tycho Brahe, and that he himself was known to be
a mathematician and astronomer of distinction. To the following known
examples of the 1602 issue brief reference may be made. In the Accademia
dei Concordi of Rovigo, Italy, there may be found a fine pair. The
Stadtbibliothek of Nürnberg possesses a fine pair, reported by the
librarian to be in excellent condition, and two copies of the celestial
globe may be found in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of the same city.
A copy of the terrestrial globe is to be found in the collection of the
Königliches Museum of Cassel, and one in the town of Rüdingen near
Schaffhausen.
The Hispanic Society of America possesses, in its rich collection of
globes, a fine example of Blaeu's terrestrial of the year 1606 (Fig.
93). It has a diameter of 13.5 cm., is mounted on a substantial wooden
base, has a graduated meridian circle, half of which, however, is
missing, a wooden horizon circle, on the upper surface of which is
pasted an engraved slip of paper with the usual graduation, the
calendar, and the names of the zodiacal signs. A legend in the great
austral land which is called "Magallanica," contains the date and refers
to its dedication to Blaeu's learned friend of Edam, Cornelius Petrius.
This legend reads "Omnium virtut[=u] genere ornatissimo viro Domino
Cornelio Petreio ecclesiastae apud Edamenses vigilantiss. et mathematico
eximio suo singulari hanc orbis sphaerae a se hoc modo delineatae L. M.
Q. D. D. Guilielmus Blaeu. Anno D. 1606." "To Dom. Cornelius Petrius, a
man adorned with all virtue, a most vigilant ecclesiastic among the
people of Edam and a mathematician of singular renown, Willem Blaeu
dedicates this terrestrial globe now completed by him in the year 1606."
In the northern part of North America is the title legend reading "Nova
et accurata terrae marisque sphaera denuo recognita et correcta a
Guilielmo Blaeu." "A new and accurate sphere of the earth and sea newly
revised and corrected by Willem Blaeu." The globe ball is of hollow
metal thinly covered with a preparation of plaster on which have been
pasted the twelve engraved gores extending from pole to pole. As in the
case of the Muller copy of the issue of 1599 this one, though dated
1606, contains a record of the discoveries of the Van Schouten
expedition, that is, the names "Staten Lant," "I. Barnevelt," and "Fr.
le Maire," discoveries made in the year 1616, as before mentioned.[36]
The magnitude of the austral land is made to equal or to exceed that of
the entire Old World, the most northern extension of which, in the East
Indian region, bears the name "Nova Guinea."[37] Its geographical
information in general agrees with that so carefully recorded on the
Blaeu maps. In the western and southern sections of North America the
source of information has been largely Spanish, in the eastern the
source has been French and English, and in the northeast almost entirely
English. In the north Atlantic we still find "Brazil," "Maides," and
"Frisland," the mythical islands of the Zeno Brothers, and north of
Europe a record of the attempts of the Netherlanders to reach "Nowaja
Semlja." For so small a globe the detailed geographical information
given is very remarkable.
[Illustration: Fig. 93. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1606.]
In addition to this example the British Museum kindly sends the
information that in its collection there is a copy of Blaeu's
terrestrial globe of the year 1606, agreeing in its dimensions with the
copy in the collection of The Hispanic Society of America, also of a
celestial globe of the same date which appears to be a unique copy.
The Hispanic Society of America also possesses a terrestrial and a
celestial globe, the work of Blaeu, globes clearly issued as companion
pieces (Fig. 94), which appear to be the only copies known, the latter
dated 1616, the former undated.[38] The spheres have each a diameter of
about 10 cm., a substantial and artistic mounting of brass, including
meridian and horizon circles, four twisted support columns, and a
circular base plate. Though small in size, probably the smallest
constructed by Blaeu, in their geographical and astronomical details
they are remarkably full.
[Illustration: Fig. 94. Terrestrial and Celestial Globes of Willem
Jansz. Blaeu, 1616.]
The terrestrial globe, in an artistic cartouch near the south pole, is
referred to as "Nova Orbis Terrarum Descriptio Auctor Guilielmo Blaeu."
"A new description of the world by Willem Blaeu author." Unlike that of
the year 1606, noted above, it contains no reference to the expedition
of Van Schouten and Le Maire, and records only the Strait of Magellan at
the southern extremity of South America. Continental contours, even that
of "Magallanica" and of the New World, agree in practically all details
with his earlier globes and general world maps. He has retained certain
geographical names which appear more or less conspicuously on some of
the earlier maps, as "Estotiland" north of Labrador, "Frisland" and
"Island" in the north Atlantic and "Norembega" applied to the coast of
Maine. The north Pacific is entirely too narrow and the island of
"Japan" is located not far from the west coast of North America. Bering
Strait is well represented but is unnamed. The map is not well
preserved, the chief injury to it being in the western part of North
America and in the central and eastern Pacific.
The celestial globe, which is the companion of the former, has a similar
brass mounting. It is remarkably well preserved and all inscriptions
on the surface of the ball are easily legible. It is made to revolve
about the axis of the ecliptic. The figures representing the several
constellations have been artistically engraved, and stars up to the
sixth magnitude have appropriate and distinct representation. A legend
near the south pole reads "Sphaera stellata in qua ceu speculo Stellae
fixae ex accuratis Nobilis viri D. Tychonis Brahe observationibus ad
annum 1600 accommodatae conspicuae sito ponuntur." "The starry sphere in
which as in a mirror the fixed stars are placed by the accurate
observations of the Noble D. Tycho Brahe, accommodated to the year
1600."
Blaeu's earliest globes, as has been noted, were of small dimensions. It
must have been shortly after the year 1616 that he decided to undertake
the construction of those of much greater size, to the end of making his
work the more serviceable; but to this he may have been led in part, as
before noted, by the success of the large globes of Hondius of the year
1613.[39] Unfortunately it is not easy to determine the exact date of
the several issues of his work appearing in the last twenty years of his
life. In general, the date of the construction of the globes of these
years is altogether wanting. The dedications in the several reprints or
editions vary, as do many of the inscriptions, while the large size of
the globes remains practically the same. One cannot feel certain that a
date, apparently given as the year of construction, is accurate, since
it is very evident in the several reprints care was not always given to
this detail.
The first issue of his large terrestrial globes seems to date from the
year 1622, though the suggestion is not wanting that he had actually
completed the celestial globe before the close of the year 1616.
With but slight variation in the form of the expression, we find on all
examples of his largest globes the inscription "Amstelredami. Excusum in
aedibus auctoris ...," indicating at least that the printing was done in
the author's Amsterdam workshop. All have a diameter of about 68 cm.,
though the mountings of the several known examples differ somewhat.
The Hispanic Society of America possesses a fine example of the
terrestrial globe, dated 1622 (Fig. 95). The ball is formed of
papier-mâché, having over its surface a thin coating of plaster made
perfectly smooth and shellacked to receive the thirty-six engraved
gores, or twice eighteen half gores, and the usual circular polar caps.
It is well preserved, considering its great size and its age, though
somewhat injured in the region of the western Mediterranean, in the East
Indian Islands, in West Africa, in South America, and in parts of the
Pacific Ocean. It is furnished with an elaborate wooden base, a
considerable part of which appears to have been added subsequent to that
constituting the main support, a horizon circle of wood, and a meridian
circle of brass. The map is a fine example of the work done in the
Netherlands by the copper engravers and printers of the period, in
particular of the work which issued from the Blaeu press. Continental
outlines are well drawn, lands and seas are crowded with geographical
records, including individual names and legends. Very artistically
designed ships sail the oceans singly or in fleets, and compass lines as
well as loxodromic lines are very numerous, radiating from centers
distributed over the surface of the map. Much of the original color
which had been artistically applied by hand still remains, particularly
on the southern hemisphere, which has been less exposed to the light and
to careless handling. The author and date legend placed near the south
pole in an artistic cartouch reads, "In ista quam exibimus, terreni
globi descriptione omnium regionum juxta et insularum, quotquot hacetnus
a nostris Argonautis, vel etiam ab aliarum gentium Naucleris visae et
notatae, loca in suo secundum longitudinem et latitudinem situ, summa
sedulitate et industria disposita invenies, quae res non solum
Geographiae studiosis jocunda, verum etiam iis, qui terras longe
dissitas et sub alio sole calentes frequentent, maxime utilis futura
est. In quorum gratiam etiam rhombus nauticos (ita vocantur Helices
lineae secundum ventorum plagus delineatae) quam accuratissime
expressimus. Hunc igitur laborem nostrum ut tam Gratis animis
accipiatis, quanta sedulitate a nobis est obitus, ex aequo omnes rogatos
volo. Guiljelmus Caesius Auctor. Anno CICICCCXXII." "In this terrestrial
globe, which we here present, you will find all the regions and islands
as far as they have been seen, up to the present, and marked by our
navigators, or have been seen and marked by the navigators of other
nations, placed in their own proper position of longitude and latitude,
with the greatest care and industry, which not only will be a source of
pleasure to the students of geography but also of the greatest utility
to those who visit far distant shores, which are warmed by another sun.
And for their benefit we have also inserted the nautical rhombs (for so
are designated the lines which show the direction of the winds). This
labor of ours I hope and pray you will accept with as much gratitude as
we have bestowed care upon it. Willem Caesius. In the year 1622." A
citation of all legends which the author has placed on his map would
indeed fill many pages, and but few of these are here quoted.
[Illustration: Fig. 95. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622.]
In the southern hemisphere, and particularly conspicuous by reason of
the artistic cartouch in which it is placed, we find a reference to the
question of the proper location of the prime meridian,[40] somewhat
lengthy but quoted here in full. "Quamvis longitudinis initium
arbitrarium esset, ab occasu tamen ejus auspicium facere ideo veteribus
placuit quod illic aliquis terrae limen esset, qui ortum versus nullis
expeditionibus deprehendi potuisset. Atque eam ob causam Ptolemaeus
(cujus sedulitati et industriae Geographiae incolumitatem omnes, vel
inviti, debent) ab ultimo termino occidentis cognito, quae Insulae in
Atlantico Mari Fortunatae dictae sunt, auspicium fecit in eisque primum
Meridianum defixit: quod theticum principium deinceps fere omnes ejus
auctoritate moti retinuerunt. Interim hoc seculo nonnulli hoc principium
ex ipsa natura eruendum censuere. Qua in re acus Magneti junctae
indicium sequendum sibi sumpserunt, eumque primum Meridianum statuunt
quo in loco ea Boream spectat Quos plane allucinari addita illa Magneti
vis convincit, penes quem nullum longitudinis arbitrium sit, cum is ipse
sub eodem meridiano varium habeat enclisin prout huic aut illi
continenti vicinus fuerit. Sed et illi ipsi qui ita sentiunt, ob
instabile magnetis indicium, in primo Meridiano, multum inter se
dissentiunt. Quamobrem ut summo Geographiae commodo, certus aliquis
Meridianus tamquam primum principium servari et retineri possit,
Ptolemaei vestigiis insistentes, easdem Insulas, et iis Junonem, quae
Teneriffa vulgo creditur, delegimus, cujus excelsa illa et praerupta
petra, perpetuis nebulis obsessa, Indigenis El Pico dicta, primi
Meridiani terminus esto. Qua in re ab Arabum longitudinibus (qui extrema
Africae littora versus occidentem delegerunt), vix unius gradus
quadrante abimus diversi: quod quoque monuisse operae pretium putavi."
"Although the beginning of longitude is arbitrarily selected
nevertheless it pleased the ancients to begin the counting of it from
the west, because there was the limit of the earth, as some thought,
while no expedition to the east was able to determine this. Therefore
Ptolemy, to whose application and industry all men, even though
unwilling to admit it, owe the preservation of geography (geographical
science), made the location (of the beginning of longitude) in the
farthest known limit of the west, which is called the Fortunate Islands,
in the Atlantic Ocean, and in them he fixed the first meridian. This
hypothetical beginning, almost all who came after him retained because
of his influence. But in our century there are some who have said that
this beginning should be taken from nature herself, and in this matter
they have taken the indication of the magnetic needle as their guide,
and fix the first meridian in that place in which the needle points to
the true north: That this is clearly an error is proved by this
additional (and peculiar) property of the magnetic needle, that on the
same meridian it has a variation according as it is near to this or that
continent. But the very men who think this, on account of the
uncertainty of the variation, disagree much among themselves as to where
the first meridian is to be located, and so for the highest good of
geography, that this same fixed meridian as a first beginning may be
marked and be retained, we ourselves, following in the steps of Ptolemy,
have chosen the same islands as he, and from their number that one which
is called Juno, or commonly Tenerif; of these (islands) that high and
steep rock beset by perpetual clouds and called by the natives El Pico,
shall for us be the location of the first meridian. In this matter, from
the longitude of the Arabs, who selected the shore of Africa farthest
toward the west, we vary scarcely the fourth part of a degree, and this
I thought worthy to be noted."
There is a brief but important legend near the Strait of Magellan
reading, "Fretum Magellanicum, sic dictum a Ferdinando Magellano
Lusitano, qui omnium primus id aperuit atque emensus est, anno 1520,
Franciscus Draach et Thomas Candish, uterque anglus Fretum emensi sunt,
ille anno 1579, hic anno 1587. Oliverius van Noorth et Georgius
Speilbergius, uterque Belga annis 1600 et 1615." "The Strait of
Magellan, so called by Ferdinand Magellan a Portuguese who was the first
to discover it and to sail through it in the year 1520, Francis Drake
and Thomas Candish, both Englishmen, sailed through the strait, the one
in the year 1579, the other in the year 1587. Oliver van Noort and
George Spilbergen, both Belgians in the years 1600 and 1615." Near the
last-quoted legend we find "Fretum Le Maire a Wilhem Scouten Hernano et
Jacobo Le Maire per eum inventum et lustratum A^o 1616." "The Strait of
Le Maire discovered and surveyed by Wilhem Scouten and Jacob Le Maire in
the year 1616." To the northwest in the Pacific we find "Magellanus ad
insulas has delatus, cum in iis nec hominum ulla vestigia, nec quicquam
humano usui opportunum invenisset, Infortunatus nuncupavit." "Magellan
came to these islands and finding in them no trace of man nor of
anything suitable for human use called them the Unfortunate Islands."
Near New Guinea is the information recorded "Novissime detecta et
lustrata est a Wilhelmo Scouten anno 1616." "Very recently discovered
and surveyed by Wilhelm Scouten in the year 1616."