explorers to find a passage to the east by way of the north, reading,
"Quemadmondum post apertum a Lusitanis iter illud ad regiones
orientales, quod Promontorium Bonae Spei navigantes circumducit non
defuere qui et ante Ferdinandum Magellanum, breviorem aliquam per
Septentrionem Cauriumque ad easdem illas regiones opulentissimas ac toto
orbe decantatus, Moluccas, indagarent viam: et nominatim quidem anno jam
tum 1500, duobusque seqq. Gaspar et Michael Cortereales, fratres
lusitani, et post eos anno 1507, Sebastianus Cabotus venetus: ita et
post superatum jam a praedicto Magellano Fretum, quod de ejus nomine
Magellanicum dicitur, extitere celebres aliquot praestantes naucleri,
qui ne codem quidem itinere contenti, tum per easdem regiones
septentrionales Caurique tractus, tum per Aquilonaria quoque Moscoviae
Tartariaeque littora, idem tentaverint. Tales, ut alios nunc omittam,
fruere anno 1553 Hugo Willoughbeus, Eques anglus, annis 1576 et 77
Martinus Forbisherus, et annis 1585, 86, 87 Ioannes Davisuis, uterque
itidem anglus, item Guilijelmus Bernard et Ioannes Hugo Linschotanus,
Batavi, annis 1594, 95 et 96. Quibus omnibus etsi, post incredibiles
exantlatos labores, conatus non successissent, non destitere tamen
Henricus Hudsonus, et ipse anglus ac post eum Batavi quidam Amsteredami
emissi, eandem terram (quod dici solet) reciprocare. Is Hudsonus anno
1611, superato, ad Americae borealis oras, sub latitudinis 61, 62 et 63
gradu, ut indicat globus noster, praelongo freto, in exitu ejus engens
ac late diffusum, invenit pelagus: cujus quidem detectio, multis spem
addidit fore ut tandem inibi transitus aliquis inveniatur. Utrum vero
huic spei eventus sit responsurus, propediem, quod vovemus, ipsum tempus
ostendet." "When the way had been opened by the Portuguese to the
eastern regions which led the navigators round the Cape of Good Hope,
there were some who said there was a way, even before Ferdinand
Magellan, a shorter way by the north and the northwest to those opulent
and world famous regions, the Moluccas. To name these, in 1500, the two
brothers Miguel and Gaspar Cortereal, and after them in the year 1507
Sebastian Cabot a Venetian, and after the Strait had been navigated by
the aforesaid Magellan, which is called the Strait of Magellan after
him, there were certain famous and excellent navigators who, not content
with a knowledge of this passage, attempted another both by the same
northern and northwestern route and by the northern coasts of Moscovie
and Tartary, among these, to omit others for the present, there were in
the year 1553 Hugo Willoughby an English Knight: in the years 1576 and
1577 Martin Frobisher: in the years 1585, 86, 87 John Davis, both of the
last named being Englishmen: also William Bernard and John Hugo
Linschoten, Dutchmen, in the years 1594, 95, 96. Although none of these
attempts, in spite of the Herculean labors, were successful,
nevertheless Henry Hudson, himself an Englishman, and after him certain
Dutchmen sent from Amsterdam, did not give up the attempts to find that
land, as it was called. Hudson himself, in the year 1611, having
navigated along the shore of North America in latitudes 61, 62, and 63,
as our globe indicates, a very long inlet at its farthest extremity
discovered an immense and far-stretching sea, the discovery of which
gave hope to many that at last some outlet would be found therein.
Whether the event would answer to this hope, and we pray it may, only
time will tell."[41] Somewhat nearer the pole we read "Anno 1594 et
seqq. Ill[=m]orum D. D. Ordinum Foederatorum, anno vero 1596 Amplis^{mi}
Senatus Amsterodamensis jussu atque auspiciis. Fortissimus
Archithelassus Iacobus Heelmsterchius et cum eo pertissimus navarcha
Guilijelmus Bernard filius uterque civis Amsterodamensis viam per
Septentrionem ad regna Cathayae et Chinae indagaturi, cum littora Novae
Zemlae usque ad gradum latitudinis 78 perlustrassent, neque immensis e
glacie coacervatis montibus impedito, ulterius possent tendere, tertio
postremoque itinere, quo loco casam a nobis expressam vides, hibernare
coacti sunt." "In the year 1594 and the following years, by the command
and under the auspices of the illustrious Lords of the United
Netherlands, and in the year 1596, under the auspices of the
distinguished Senate of Amsterdam, the brave sea captain Jacob
Heelmstrech, and with him the skilful navigator William Bernard's son,
both citizens of Amsterdam, sought passage by the north to the regions
of Cathay and China. When they had passed the shore of Nova Zembla to
latitude 78, without being stopped by the immense mountains of ice, and
could have gone further, on this third and last journey they were
compelled to pass the winter at the spot where you see a hut depicted by
us." In addition to the above legends we find such as "Hic anno 1611 H.
Hudson hibernavit." "Here in the year 1611 Henry Hudson passed the
winter." "Huc usque processit H. Hudson anno 1612." "As far as this
Henry Hudson came in the year 1612." In the western part of North
America, that is, in "Nova Albion," there is a legend referring to the
expedition of Francis Drake, reading, "Hoc loco ad latitu. 42 grad.
appulsus Franciscus Dracus in gentem incidit prorsus indolatricam, et
quod merito quis miretur ipso adeo mense Junio prae frigoris quam
acerrime saevientis vi coactus est, terram hanc Novae Albionis nomine a
se decoratam deserere." "In this place, at latitude 42° Francis Drake
came upon a tribe wholly idolatrous and what is justly to be wondered
at, in the month of June he was compelled by the violence of the cold
that raged here to desert this land of New Albion which he
distinguished with its name."[42]
The great inland sea appearing on the large world map of Jodocus Hondius
of the year 1611 (Fig. 96), and called "Mare Septentrionale Americae,"
is here represented as "Lacus iste quantum ex accolis colligi potuit
trecenta ut minimum miliaria in longitudinem pateat." "This lake, as far
as can be learned from the inhabitants, stretches at least three hundred
miles in length."[43]
[Illustration: Fig. 96. Section of Jodocus Hondius World Map, 1611.]
This representation is of particular interest in connection with a grant
to the London Company, as expressed in its charter of the year 1609
wherein the jurisdiction of the company is defined as extending "In that
part of America called Virginia, from the point of land called Cape or
Point Comfort, all along the sea coast, to the northward two hundred
miles, and from the said point of Cape Comfort, all along the sea coast
to the southward, two hundred miles, and all that space and circuit of
land, lying from the sea coast of the precinct aforesaid up into the
land, throughout from sea to sea, west and northwest."[44] It is of
further interest to note that on this globe of Blaeu there appears for
the first time on a dated map the representation of Manhattan as an
island.
The Osservatorio Astronomico, located near Florence, possesses a fine
pair of Blaeu's large globes, the terrestrial being signed, at the
conclusion of the address to the reader, "Guiljelmus Blaeu" instead of
"Guiljelmus Caesius," as on The Hispanic Society's copy, although as on
this copy the signature "Guiljelmus Caesius anno 1622" appears on the
celestial globe. The dedications of these Florentine examples read,
"Serenissimo Potentissimoque Principi Ferdinando Secondo Magno Etruriae
Duci, Domino Suo Clementissimo. Suos hosce Coelestem et Orbis Terrarum
Globos accuratius pleniusque quam hanctenus descriptos editosque L. M.
D. C. Q. Humillimus Cliens Guilielmus Blaeuw." "To the Most Serene, Most
Powerful Prince Ferdinand II, Prince of Etruria, his Most Clement Lord,
these globes, both celestial and terrestrial, more carefully and more
accurately depicted and edited than has been done previously, Willem
Blaeu His Most humble client dedicates and consecrates." It may here be
noted that Ferdinand II was of the house of Medici and that he came to
the throne in the year 1621.
A pair of Blaeu's globes of 1622, signed "Guiljelmus Caesius," belongs
to the Biblioteca Comunale of Palermo, reported to be without mountings
and otherwise in bad condition. Most of the terrestrial globe map is
missing but there remains enough of each to determine their original
likeness to the preceding pair.
In the archaeological section of the Biblioteca Gambalunghiana of Rimini
there may be found a well-preserved pair, each dated 1622.
A terrestrial globe dated 1622, and a celestial clearly intended as its
companion but dated 1616 and signed "Guilielmus Janssonius," belong to
the Biblioteca Barbarini of Rome. If correctly dated it is evident that
Blaeu completed his work on this globe of large size in the same year
that he completed his work on the smallest of all his globes, to which
attention has been called above. These examples are in a fair state of
preservation, having each a base consisting of a single column supported
on the backs of two satyrs who are seated with hands upraised.
A pair of these globes of 1622 may be found in the Museo Civico of
Venice with dedication differing from those which have been previously
noted. On these globes we read, "Serenissimo Potentissimo Gustavo II
ejus nomine Suedorum Gothorum, Vandalorum Regi et Principi hereditario,
Magno Duci Finlandiae, Estmanniae, Westmanniaeque Domino Suo
Clementissimo, Suos hosce coelestem et Ordis Terrarum Globos accuratius
pleniusque quam hactenus descriptos L. M. D. C. Q. Humillimus Cliens
Guiljelmus Caesius." "To the Most Serene and Most Powerful Gustavus II,
King and Hereditary Prince of the Swedes, Goths, and Vandals, the
Mighty Ruler of Finland, Eastmania and Westmania, his Most Clement Lord,
these his celestial and terrestrial globes more accurately and fully
depicted and edited than previously, Willem Caesius, his humble client
dedicates and consecrates."
A copy of the 1622 celestial globe, signed "Guilielmus Caesius," belongs
to the Stadtbibliothek of Nürnberg, and a copy of the same, dedicated to
Gustavus II of Sweden, is in the possession of Reichsgraf Hans von
Oppersdorf in Oberglogau.
Eleven additional pairs of Blaeu's globes, reprints, and reissues, not
all agreeing in details, but alike in their main features, have been
located. These belong to the years 1622-1640, having only an occasional
record or date in legend to indicate, though indefinitely, the year of
construction. A very brief reference to these editions here follows.
A pair may be found in the Osservatorio Astronomico of Bologna, somewhat
damaged by neglect and careless handling. It seems probable, though the
records are imperfect, that these are the globes referred to in an old
catalogue of the Specola Library, and that they have been in the
observatory since its founding in the year 1724.[45]
The Royal Estense Library of Modena is in possession of a well-preserved
pair of Blaeu's large globes, as the librarian has kindly informed the
author.[46] Each is supplied with an artistic wooden base, with a
meridian and a horizon circle, the whole being about 79 cm. in height.
Each is furnished with a domelike cover of pasteboard, over the outside
of which, and crossing at right angles, are two bands of carved leaves,
and in each of the four spaces thus formed is a decoration consisting of
the lily of the Royal House of France. It appears not to be known how or
when these globes came to the Estense Library; perhaps as a gift to a
prince of the Ducal House of Este, from a member of the House of
Orleans, or they were purchased perchance by an Estense ambassador once
having residence in Holland, as has been suggested.
Other undated pairs of the 1622 and 1640 issues may be found in the
Seminario Vescovile of Chioggia, in the Museo di Strumenti Antichi of
Florence, in the Biblioteca Governativo of Lucca, in the Biblioteca
Nazionale of Naples, in the Biblioteca Chigi of Rome (Fig. 97), in the
Collegio delle Scuole Pie of Savona, in the Liceo Marco Foscarini of
Venice (Fig. 98), in the Pinacoteca Quirini of Venice, and in the
private library of Count Francesco Franco of Venice. A copy of the
terrestrial only may be found in the Biblioteca Comunale of Como, in the
Königl. Math. Phys. Salon in Dresden, in the Istituto Tecnico of
Florence, in the Biblioteca delle Misione Urbane of Genoa, in the
Germanisches Nationalmuseum of Nürnberg, and a copy of the eighteen
unmounted terrestrial globe gores, probably of the year 1647, in the
British Museum. A copy of the celestial globe only may be found in the
Biblioteca Civico of Aquila in the Königl. Math. Phys. Salon of Dresden,
and one in the British Museum, which is reported, however, to have a
diameter of only twenty-four inches.
[Illustration: Fig. 97. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622.]
[Illustration: Fig. 98. Celestial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622.]
[Illustration: Fig. 98a. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu,
ca. 1640.]
[Illustration: Fig. 98b. Celestial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu,
ca. 1640.]
The Biblioteca Barbarini of Rome possesses four armillary spheres, all
appearing to be of the early seventeenth century. A description of two
of these, neither signed nor dated, it has not been possible to obtain;
two are the work of J. Paolo Ferreri, the one constructed in the year
1602 according to the brief record "Jo. Paulus Ferrerius f. f. an.
1602," and the other in the year 1624 being inscribed "F^{co} gio. Paulo
Ferreri Ro^{no} ano 1624." Professor Uzielli has given to the author the
information that these are of brass, having each a graduated horizon
circle supported by four half circles which in turn rest on a single
brass column. Through this horizon circle passes an adjustable meridian
circle 39 cm. in diameter, which is graduated and which supports other
movable circles, such as the colures carrying the polar circles, the
tropics, which are graduated, and the ecliptic, a broad band inclined
23-1/2 degrees to the equator, likewise graduated and engraved with the
names of the months and of the constellations of the zodiac. Within the
circles of each of these spheres, placed at what may be called their
common center, is a small solid sphere to serve as a representation of a
terrestrial globe but without geographical details. There appear to be
but slight differences in the construction of these two armillary
spheres, the one of 1624 having certain circles which are slightly
smaller than are the corresponding ones on that of earlier date. From
the same source it is learned that the artist, Tito Lessi of Florence,
possesses an armillary sphere signed and dated "Lud: ^s Sem: ^s Bon:
Fac: A. D. MDCXII," near which is a representation of a coat of arms
with a dragon. The sphere is of brass, the diameter of its greatest
circle being 63 cm. We know nothing of the Ludovico referred to as the
maker, but who, as is noted, was a Bolognese. The same artist, as we are
informed, likewise possesses another unsigned and undated armillary
sphere which presumably is of the early seventeenth century.
Peter Plancius (1552-1622), a native of Drane-outer, West Flanders, is
especially remembered as a militant theologian (Fig. 99) and as one of
the most influential men active in the shaping of the colonial policy of
the States of the Netherlands in the late sixteenth and early
seventeenth centuries. His was indeed a stormy career wherein it touched
the Reformation movements. In early life a monk, he later became an
ardent reformer supporting the Calvinistic faith. After passing some
years in Germany and in England in study, he became, in the year 1578, a
pastor in the city of Brussels. When persecution threatened him, he
fled, in the year 1585, to Amsterdam, where he again became a pastor,
exerting for many years a far-reaching influence in matters touching the
relations of the reform movements and the state. Plancius, however, was
not only learned in matters theological, he was interested, as stated
above, in Dutch colonial enterprise, was a geographer, and a map and
globe maker of great distinction. He in part planned and actively
supported the Dutch expeditions of Barents, Hemskerken, Linschoten, and
Le Maire, who undertook to find new routes to the Indies, both East and
West. He assisted in the organization of the East India Company, which
company made large contributions to the commercial prosperity of the
Netherlands.[47] He was instrumental, with his countryman, William
Usselinx, and others, in organizing the West India Company.[48] He took
an active part in the planting of New Amsterdam in the New World, and in
the establishment of Batavia in Java. He was counselor for twenty-five
years in practically all matters pertaining to the welfare of the
peoples of the Netherlands.
[Illustration: Fig. 99. Portrait of Peter Plancius.]
As map maker Plancius appears to have begun his activities shortly after
taking up a residence in Amsterdam. His great world map in two
hemispheres, one of his first productions, and one which may in part
have served Blaeu and Hondius in the preparation of their masterpieces,
of the years 1605 and 1611, respectively, was issued in the year 1592, a
unique copy of which belongs to the Collegio del Corpus Christi of
Valencia.[49] This map, bearing the title "Nova et exacta terrarum orbis
tabula geographica ac hydrographica," is composed of eighteen sheets,
which, when joined, give a world map measuring 146 by 233 cm.
Blundeville makes interesting reference to this map under the following
caption: "A Plaine and full Description of Petrus Plancius his
vniuersall Mappe, seruing both for Sea and Land, and by him lately put
forth in the yeere of our Lord 1592. In which Mappe are set downe many
more places, as well of both the Indies, as Afrique, together with their
true Longitudes and Latitudes, than are to be found either in Mercator
his Mappe, or in any other Moderne Mappe whatsoeuer: And this Mappe doth
show what Riches, Power, or Commodities, as what kind of Beasts both
wild and tame, what Plants, Fruits, or Mines any Region hath, and what
kinds of Merchandize do come from euery Region. Also the diuers
Qualities and Manners of the People, and to whom they are subiect. Also
who be the most mightie and greatest Princes of the World: A Mappe meet
to adorne the House of any Gentleman or Merchant, that delighteth in
Geographie: and herewith this Booke is also meete to be bought, for that
it plainely expoundeth euery thing contained in the said Mappe."[50]
Blundeville notes further that Plancius drew another map of the whole
earth in two hemispheres, employing the polar projection. He does not
give the date of this map, but it presumably was issued shortly after
that of 1592. A Plancius world map in two hemispheres, bearing title
"Orbis terrarum typus de integro multis in locis amendatus, auctore
Petro Plancio 1594," appears in the account of Linschoten's expedition
of 1599.[51] It is a well-drawn map, containing much valuable
geographical data. Like Mercator, Hondius, and Blaeu, Plancius also
undertook the construction of globes. Of these the oldest known appears
to have been begun as early as the year 1612, the date appearing in the
following dedication, "Nobilissimis Amplissimis Consultissimis ac
Prudentissimis Dominis Consulariis Thalassiarchis atque Thalatto
Oratoribus Hollandiae Zelandiae et Frisiae occidentalis nec non
Magnificis ac Clarissimis Dominis Consulibus praeclarissimi Emporii
Amstelodami, Petrus Kaerius humillimus cliens L. M. Q. dat, dicat,
dedicat. Anno 1612." "To the Most Noble, Exalted, Learned and Prudent
Consular Lords and Orators Maritime of Holland, Zeeland and West
Friesland, also to the Great and Distinguished Lords Counselors of the
Renowned Emporium of Amsterdam, Peter Kaerius their humble client gives
and dedicates (this globe). In the year 1612." Below the legend is
engraved "Petrus Kaerius excudit ann. 1614," the date here given clearly
indicating the year of issue. Not far from the dedicatory legend appears
the following: "Ipsa experientia peritos Naucleros docuit volubiles
libellas magnetis virtute infectas in Insulis Corvi et Florum Mundi
polos recte respicere: idcirco ibi, taquam a communi Mundi Magn.
Meridiano Logitud. justis de causis initum sumunt Petrus Kaerius et
Abrahamus Goos patrueles sculptores." "Experience itself has taught
skilful mariners that loose leaves when under the electrical influence,
in the islands of Corvo and Flores, turn directly toward the poles of
the world, and for this reason it is here, as a common magnetic meridian
of the world, that Peter Kaerius and Abraham Goos his cousin, engravers,
locate with reason the beginning of longitude." The customary address to
the reader, though here not so designated, reads, "In hujus nostri Globi
delineatione ubique castigatissimas Tabulas Hydrographicas ac
Geographicas sequuti sumus, quibus Germani, Hispani, Galli, Itali,
Angli, Scoti, Dani, Norvegi, Suedi nec non et navigationibus utuntur: ad
quae omnia comparanda nulli nec labori nec sumptui pepercimus: ventorum
quoque regimmes ad usum navigantium admussim accomodavimus: quemadmodum
artis periti, proprius inspiciendo, reperient. Vale ac frere. Petrus
Plancius." "In the delineation of this our globe, we have everywhere
followed the most correct hydrographic and geographic tables which the
Germans, Spaniards, French, Italians, English, Scotch, Danes, Norwegians
and Swedes use in their voyages. In doing this we have spared no labor
nor expense. The directions of the winds (loxodromic lines) we have laid
down with great exactness for the use of sailors, as those experienced
in navigation will see on close inspection. Farewell and be happy. Peter
Plancius." This gives us definitely to understand that this terrestrial
globe was the work of Plancius.
The sphere is covered with a world map engraved on twelve gores,
truncated at latitude 70 degrees, the polar spaces being covered by the
usual circular discs, each having in this case a radius of twenty
degrees.
On his celestial globe, probably issued at the same time as the
terrestrial just referred to, and intended as a companion of the same,
having the same dimensions, we find the following legend: "In hac
coelesti sphaera stellae affixae majore quam hactenus numero ac
accuratiore industria delineantur. Novos Asterismos in philomath[=e]om
gratiam de integro addidi: quae omnia secundum Astronomorum Principis
Tychonis Brahe, ac meam observationem verae suae Longitudinis ac
Latitudinis ad annum Christi 1615 restitui. Petrus Plancius." "In this
celestial sphere the fixed stars to a greater number than previously and
with more exactness are depicted. I have added for the use of the
student some entirely new star readings according to the prince of
astronomers Tycho Brahe, and also my own observations of their true
latitude and longitude adapting these to the year of Christ 1615. Peter
Plancius." It then will be noted that the position of the stars located
thereon is computed to the year 1615. In the southern hemisphere is a
portrait of Tycho Brahe with the inscription "D. Tyco Brahe Summ.
Mathematic," below which is the legend "Tabula continens quantum quovis
proposito anno vel addendum vel demendum sit L[=o]gitudini affixarum:
nam hae 70 annorum et 5 mensis spacio unicum grad[=u] secund[=u]
signor[=u] ordin[=e], super Pol. Zod. progrediuntur." "Table indicating
how much for any given year is to be added to or to be subtracted from
the longitude of the fixed stars. For these in the space of 70 years and
5 months move one degree reckoned on the signs of the zodiac." But one
pair of Plancius' globes can now be located, this pair having been
acquired a few years since for the Museo Astronomico of Rome (Fig. 100).
They are reported to be in excellent condition. The spheres are of wood
covered with plaster, having a diameter of about 21 cm., upon which the
gores have been pasted. Wind roses are numerous, from which the usual
direction or loxodromic lines radiate. Ships and sea monsters add to the
decoration of the terrestrial globe map, and the figures of the several
constellations have been artistically drawn. Each globe is furnished
with a wooden base, having its horizon circle supported by four columns
which are joined below by crossbars. Each has a brass meridian circle
within which the globe is adjusted to revolve.
[Illustration: Fig. 100. Terrestrial Globe of Peter Plancius, 1614.]
Fiorini reports information received from Gabriel Marcel of the
Bibliothèque Nationale and Captain F. v. Ortroy that there may be found
in the Stein Museum of Antwerp a terrestrial globe of copper, neither
signed nor dated, but which is thought to be the work of Peter
Plancius.[52] Additional information concerning this globe has not been
obtainable.
Isaac Habrecht (1589-1633), physician and mathematician, was a native of
Strassburg, where he passed the greater part of his life.[53] Incidental
references to him assure that he was regarded in his day as a man of
much ability. Among his publications, not numerous but scholarly,
reference here may be made to his 'Tractatum de planiglobio coelesti &
terrestri,' issued in Latin in the year 1628, and again in the year 1666
in both Latin and German, by Johann Christoph Sturm of Nürnberg.[54] In
this work Habrecht describes his terrestrial and celestial globes,
constructed, it appears, a few years previous to the issue of the
publication.
The Hispanic Society of America possesses a fine example of what appears
to be his first terrestrial globe (Fig. 101). It is undated, but
internal evidence assures us that it was not constructed prior to the
year 1612. Near the Arctic circle and north of the representation of
Hudson's Bay we read "Huc usque retrocesserunt Amstelodamenses anno
1612." "At this point the Amsterdam (explorers) turned about in the year
1612." His first celestial globe, referred to below, seems clearly to be
of the year 1619, and there is reason for placing his first terrestrial
globe in the same year, since, in their size, and in many of their
general features there is agreement. The globe ball of wood has a
diameter of 20 cm. Its horizon circle, which has pasted on its upper
surface the usual information relative to the names of the months, to
the principal directions, and to the signs of the zodiac, is supported
by four turned legs joined below by crossing bars, these bars in turn
supporting a carved circular disc with a raised center through a slot in
which the meridian circle is made to pass. The whole is indeed a
remarkably well-preserved example of Habrecht's work.
[Illustration: Fig. 101. Terrestrial Globe of Isaac Habrecht, 1625.]
In an artistic cartouch to the south of the East Indian Islands and
within "Terra Australis" is the following signed dedication:
"Perillustri et Generossissimo Dn^o Dn^o Eberardo Dynaste in
Rappolstein. Hohenaccio et Geroltzeccio ad Vogasinum Divi Mathiae II
Imp. nec non Sereniss. Maximiliani Archiducis Austriae. P. M. Camerario
et Citeriorum Ordinum Provincialium Praesidi Magnifico: ex antiqua Duc[=a]
Spoleti familia oriundo: Domino meo Clementissi^o Triplicem hunc globum:
Coelestem scilicet: convexum et concavum et hunc terrestrem novissimae
editionis et correctionis. D. D. D. Isaacus Habrect Phil. et med. d.
Argentinensis." "To the Most Illustrious and Most Generous Lord
Eberhardt Ruler in Ruppelstein, Hohenau and Geroldseck in the Vosges,
Divine Emperor Matties II and also the Most Serene Maximilian Archduke
of Austria, the Exalted President of the Provincial Orders of the
Cameria, and those on this side of the mountains, sprung from the
Ancient Ducal Family of Spoleto, my Most Gracious Lord, this triple
globe, that is celestial, convex and concave terrestrial, corrected
according to the latest information, gives and dedicates Isaac Habrecht,
philosopher and physician of Strassburg." In the northern part of North
America is a legend referring to the expeditions of Davis, Schouten, and
Le Maire reading, "Versus Articum polum ulterior transgressus hactenus
ab Herculis licet Davis Angli labore id examinatus fuerit sicut et circa
antarcticum fretum noviter a Guilielmo Schout detectum Le Maire
nuncupatum extremus adhuc navigationum est terminus. Quamvis nullus
dubitet maxima totius orbis magnalia sub polis delitescere quorum
detectionem forsitan summus Deus suo tempore reservat. Typis Jacop. ab
Heyden Argentinae." "Toward the Arctic pole the last voyage up to the
present was made, with Herculean labors, by Davis an Englishman. Around
the Antarctic a strait has lately been discovered by William Schouten
and named Le Maire, and this, up to the present, is the extreme limit of
navigation, although no one doubts that the greatest wonders of all the
world lie hidden under the poles, the discovery of which, it may be that
Almighty God reserves for his own time. Printed by Jacob von Heyden of
Strassburg." It is probable that the Jacob von Heyden here referred to
was a relative of Christian Heyden of Nürnberg, mathematician and globe
maker of renown.[55] Below the legend last quoted is a brief one
reading, "America septentrionalis a Christoforo Colombo 1492 detecta."
"North America discovered by Christopher Columbus in the year 1492."
This appears to have been quoted from the Hondius globe of the year
1618. The austral continent is referred to as "Terra Australis
incognita," and near New Guinea is inscribed the following, likewise
quoted from Hondius: "Sic dicta quod ejus littora locor[=u]q[z] Guineae
Affricanae multum sint similia. Dicitur a nonnullis Terra de
Piccinaculi; et sit ne insula an pars continentis Australis incertum
est." "So called because its shores are much like those of African
Guinea. It is called by some the land of Piccinaculi: and it is
uncertain whether it is an island or a part of the Australian
continent."
A considerable number of brief legends appear upon different parts of
the globe map, each having a local significance. In coloring the map
attention was given to the representation of territorial boundaries
which gives an added interest to the globe. The "Meridianus Primus" is
made to pass through the Island of Corvo, and other meridians are drawn
at intervals of ten degrees. The loxodromic lines, as on the Hondius
globes, are made a conspicuous feature of the map, having their crossing
centers at longitudes 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° on the equator, and on the
prime meridian at latitude 35° both north and south, as well as at the
same latitude on the opposite side of the sphere, where the prime
meridian becomes the meridian of 180°. Habrecht appears to have followed
somewhat closely the globes of Hondius for his geographical data.
In addition to the Habrecht terrestrial globe in The Hispanic Society's
collection, two other copies are known, which likewise are undated. One
of these belongs to the Biblioteca Comunale of Sondrio, and the other to
the Archivo Municipale of Asti.
Of the celestial globes of Habrecht four copies have been located; one
being in the Biblioteca Comunale of Sondrio, in a good state of
preservation; one in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of Nürnberg,
wanting, however, the original mounting, having its map engraved, as
stated in a legend, by Jacob von Heyden et Johann Christoph Weigel; one
in the Biblioteca Comunale of Asti; one in the Royal Museum of Cassel.
It is strikingly evident that Habrecht followed in the main the work of
Willem Jansz. Blaeu, and Jodocus Hondius for his celestial globes. As
the year 1619 was selected as the one in which star positions were to be
recorded, it is probable, as intimated above, that these globes were
constructed in that year. Each of the globes referred to is reported as
retaining the brilliant coloring which had been laid on by hand.
Garcia de Céspedes, writing in 1606,[56] calls attention to a globe,
concerning which nothing farther is known, referring to it as a
"Globillo que hizo en Portugal aquel grau Piloto que se emborrachana
cuyo nombre no me acuerdo." "A small globe constructed in Portugal by a
great pilot, whose name is unknown, but who was a great drunkard."
In the year 1893 Baron Nordenskiöld presented to the Royal Geographical
Society a facsimile in gores of a globe map, which fact is noted in that
society's Journal. The globe is one of silver, bearing the author and
date legend "Johann Hauer. 1620." The record tells of its having been
presented in the year 1632 to Gustavus Adolphus and that it is now one
of the treasures of the National Museum of Stockholm. The engraved map
is of the Hondius or the Mercator type presenting in the main the best
geographical knowledge of the time. Its many legends are in the Latin
language; the lettering, though small, is easily legible. The engraver
has adorned the seas with ships and with such marine animals as are
frequently to be found in the maps of the period.[57]
It has been previously noted that the employment of engraved gore maps
in globe construction was not received with general favor in Italy in
the sixteenth century, although Mercator's globes were copied to some
extent, as were those of De Mongenet. Toward the close of the century,
the preference for manuscript globes, or for engraved bronze or copper
globes seems gradually to have yielded to a belief in the more practical
method of construction which had established itself in the North.
Originality, however, does not appear to have been a striking feature of
Italian endeavor in this method of globe making. There was an occasional
manifestation of independence and individuality, it is true, but in
general there was a disposition to copy, and the early seventeenth
century furnishes us an example in the reissue by Giuseppe de Rossi of
the work of Jodocus Hondius, but without credit, as has been previously
observed.
Among those who attained distinction in Italy in the first half of the
seventeenth century in the construction of globes having engraved gore
maps, may be named Mattheus Greuter. He was born in Strassburg in the
year 1556, where he learned designing and engraving. In early life he
went to Lyons in France where he carried on his work, but later he
removed to Avignon, adding to his art in this city that of type cutting.
We next find him in Rome, busily engaged in the work of engraving, in
which he had become exceedingly proficient, winning for himself a high
place among the Italian artists of his day. Map engraving, we learn,
early claimed his attention, and among his masterpieces in this field
may be mentioned a large map of Italy. Of this work no copy is at
present known, but it is thought that it probably served Magini as a
model for his "Italia" which was published in the year 1620. It could
not have been long after he had taken up his residence in Rome, where he
became a naturalized citizen, that he began the preparation of his first
terrestrial globe, which he issued in the year 1632. So well did he
perform his work that he is entitled to rank with the leading globe
makers of the Netherlands.
An excellent example of this first issue may be found in the Museum of
The Hispanic Society of America (Fig. 102), this being one of the most
valuable in its large collection. It has a diameter of 50 cm., and is
mounted on a wooden base having four feet, which, though evidently very
old, is clearly not the original base. It is furnished with a narrow
wooden horizon circle which is not graduated, and the calendar and other
representations, which one usually finds pasted on this circle in early
globes, are entirely wanting. The meridian circle of iron, likewise, is
not graduated, and like the wooden base is not a part of the original
mounting. The sphere itself is remarkably well preserved, there being
scarcely a noticeable injury to its surface save the slight
discoloration of age. The engraved gore map covering the papier-mâché
ball, which is of very light construction, is composed of twelve
sections, or rather of twenty-four, since each of the sections is cut at
the equator, and the poles are covered with small circular discs.
[Illustration: Fig. 102. Terrestrial Globe of Mattheus Greuter, 1632.]
In the south Atlantic and near the great southern continent, in a neat
cartouch surmounted by the coat of arms of the Boncompagni family of
Bologna, is the following dedication: "Illustrissimo et Excellentissimo
Principi D. Iacobo Boncompagno Sorae Arcisque Duci Marchioni Vignolae
Aquini Comiti Dno suo colendissimo. Mattheus Greuter Humill. obseqii
ergo. D. D." "To the Most Illustrious and Excellent Prince Lord Jacob
Boncompagni, Duke of Sora and Arce, Marquis of Vignola and Count of
Aquino, his Most Worshipful Lord Mattheus Greuter with humble obedience
dedicates (this globe)." Iacopo Boncompagni, to whom Greuter dedicated
his work, belonged to a famous family of Bologna.[58] He was born in
Sora in the year 1613 and died in the year 1636. It was his
great-grandfather, Hugo, who, in the year 1572, at the age of seventy,
became Pope Gregory XIII, and who immortalized himself through his
reform of the calendar. Iacopo, the grandfather of that member of the
family to whom Greuter dedicated his globe, was in position, at the time
of the elevation of his father to the Papacy, to have bestowed upon him
great honors and riches. He was nominated Castellan of St. Angelo, and
shortly thereafter, receiving the title General of the Holy Church, was
sent to Ancona with a commission to defend the maritime regions of the
papal states. He was soon thereafter admitted to the nobility of Rome,
of the Kingdom of Naples, and of Venice. Through the riches of the
Papacy he was able to purchase from Alfonso II of Este the Marquisate of
Vignola for seventy-five thousand Roman scudi, the Duchy of Sora and of
Arce from the Duke of Urbino for one hundred and ten thousand ducats,
and the lands of Arpino and Roccasecca, together with the County of
Aquino from Alfonso of Avalon, Marquis of Guasto, for one hundred and
forty thousand ducats.
In the austral continent, and on the opposite side of the globe to that
on which the dedication is placed is an address to the reader which is
inscribed in a neat cartouch, reading "In ista quam exhibemus terreni
globi descriptione omnium regionum iuxta et insularum quotquot hactenus
ab Argonautis tam Lusitaniae quam aliarum gentium Naucleris visae et
notatae loca in suo secund[=u] longitudinem et latitudinem situ su[=m]a
sedulitate et industria disposita invenies quae res non solum
Geographiae studiosis juc[=u]da, verum etiam ijs, qui terras longe
dissitas et sub alio sole calentes frequentent, maxime utilis futura
est. H[=u]c igitur laborem nostrum ut tam gratis animis acceptatis
sedulitate a nobis est obitus ex aequo omnes rogatos volo. Mattheus
Greuter auctor. Excudit Roma Anno MDCXXXII." "On this globe which we
exhibit, you will find all the regions and islands as far as they have
hitherto been seen and noted by navigators of Portugal and of other
nations, set down in their proper positions of latitude and longitude
with the greatest care and industry. This will be pleasing not only to
students of geography but it will be especially useful to those who
visit far distant lands (which are) warmed by another sun. I hope
therefore that all those whom I ask will accept this labor of ours with
as much gratitude as we have employed care upon it. Matthew Greuter
maker. Made in Rome in the year 1632." This address agrees with that on
the Blaeu terrestrial globe of 1622 except that Blaeu wrote "vel etiam
ab aliarum gentium ...," whereas Greuter writes "tam Lusitaniae quam
aliarum gentium ...," and Blaeu inserted a reference to the loxodromes
he had drawn on his map, which loxodromes Greuter, omitting, had
therefore no occasion for such reference. In the inscription referring
to the prime meridian, Greuter again borrowed from Blaeu with scarcely
an alteration, as he did in his reference to recent discoveries made for
the purpose of finding a way to the East by the North. Blaeu's legend in
the vicinity of the Tiborone Island, that near the Cape of Good Hope,
and that near the Strait of Magellan were all copied literally by
Greuter, and likewise that referring to the Le Maire Strait.
Greuter employed, in general, for the names of the regions of the Old
World and for the seas, the Latin language, though he wrote "Mar del
Nort" for the Atlantic and "Mar del Zur" for the Pacific. For the names
of the New World he used the Spanish or the Portuguese, but occasionally
the English, the French, the Dutch, or the language native to the region
bearing the name. For the names of the cities he generally employed the
language of the country or the Italian language.
Numerous ships are represented sailing the seas, and the pictures of
sea monsters are many. A few wind roses adorn the map, but, as before
stated, loxodrome lines, regarded in general at that time as of great
importance to sailors who had occasion to make use of the chart or the
globe, were omitted by Greuter.
Hudson Bay, which is left nameless, is represented without a definite
coast line in the north, but through a wide and extended channel it
opens into "Fretum Davis." The St. Lawrence River appears to drain a
lake, which may be taken from its location to be Lake Ontario; but the
remaining four Great Lakes appear as one great inland sea with an outlet
of somewhat uncertain character northward toward Hudson Bay. The
geographical representations in this region are of special historical
interest, as are indeed the geographical records in the several sections
of North America, particularly in the South and the West.
As a companion to the terrestrial globe of the year 1632, Greuter
prepared a celestial globe of the same dimensions, and with similar
mountings, which he issued in the year 1636. He gives due credit, in one
of his legends, to Tycho Brahe and to Willem Blaeu as sources of
information for his representation of the stars and the several
constellations, following, in particular, Blaeu's globe of 1622. His
explanatory legend reads "In hoc coelesti Globo notantur omnes stellae
fixie an annum 1636 acco[=m]odatae [=q] iuxta observation[=e] Nob. viri
Tychonis Brahe, in ma[=x] illo Iansonii, a[=n]o 1622 edito, positae sunt
additis stellis [=q] à peritiss^o nauclero Petro Theod: circa Pol. Aust.
notatae s[=u] novisque Asterismis et stellis min. appar[=e]tib', ab
aliis su[=m] studio observatis, omnia in Philomatico gratia copiosa
delineata. Romae, 1636, M. Greuter." "In this celestial globe are noted
all the fixed stars accommodated to the year 1636, which are placed (on
the map) according to the observations of the noble Tycho Brahe in that
great (work) of Jansson (Blaeu), edited in the year 1622, to which are
added the stars noted by the skilful navigator Peter Theodori around the
south pole and the new and less apparent stars observed by others with
great zeal. All these have been represented for the use of the student.
At Rome, 1636. M. Greuter." As to how much he thought should be added to
or subtracted from the longitude of the fixed stars each year, to the
end of taking due note of the precession of the equinoxes, he copied
Plancius literally. The equatorial circle, the tropics, the polar
circles, the equinoxes, the solstitial colures, the ecliptic, and twelve
meridians are all represented. The constellations include the Ptolemaic,
with the addition of those recently discovered and named in the southern
hemisphere. The figures of the several constellations are well drawn,
having their names in Latin or in Arabic, and are artistically colored
in most of the copies of the globe known.
Greuter's globes all appear to have been made in the same size, and they
have the same general construction, with the exceptions noted below.
A pair of these globes, that is, of the terrestrial, of the year 1632
and the celestial of 1636, may be found in the following public and
private libraries and museums in addition to those above mentioned:
Scuole Comunale of Ancona; in the Biblioteca Comunale of Bologna; in the
Biblioteca Comunale of Camarino; in the Seminario Vescovile of Carpi; in
the Biblioteca Comunale and also in the Museo Agabiti of Fabriano; in
the Biblioteca Comunale of Ferrara; in the Biblioteca di Santa Maria
Nuova of Florence; in the Biblioteca Comunale of Gubbio; in the
Biblioteca Governativo of Lucca; in the Biblioteca Capitolari of Reggio;
in the Museo Astronomico, also in the Biblioteca Chigi and the
Biblioteca Vittorio Emanuele of Rome; in the Biblioteca Comunale of
Sanseverino; in the Biblioteca Gonzaga of Mantua; in the Biblioteca
Universitario of Messina; in the Biblioteca Nazionale of Milan; in the
Museo Civico of Modena; in the Museo di Fisica and also in the Seminario
Vescovile of Padua; in the Biblioteca Palatina of Parma and a pair in
the possession of Joseph Baer & Company of Frankfurt, 1914. A copy of
the terrestrial globe of the year 1632, in addition to the one described
above as belonging to The Hispanic Society of America, may be found in
the Biblioteca Comunale of Bassano; in the Ateneo of Brescia; in the
Museo di Fisica of Catania; in the Archivo di Stato of Venice. In
private libraries copies of these globes may be found in the possession
of the General Antonio Gandolfi of Bologna; of Sr. P. Marezio Bazolle,
once belonging to the Counts of Piloni of Belluno; of Professor Luigi
Bailo of Treviso; of Sr. D. Luigi Belli of Genga. A copy of the
celestial globe of the year 1636 may be found in the Biblioteca Comunale
of Serra S. Quirico, and also a copy in the library of Mr. W. B.
Thompson of Yonkers, N. Y.
It does not appear that Greuter himself issued other editions of his
globes. His death occurred in the year 1638, and in this same year what
may be called a second edition of his globes of the years 1632 and 1636,
having the same dimensions, was offered to the public. It has been noted
above that one Giuseppe de Rossi of Milan reprinted in Rome, in the year
1615, the Hondius terrestrial and celestial globes of 1601, making but
slight alterations in the same but giving the impression that he was the
original author. It was perhaps a near relative of this Milanese
engraver and printer, Giovanni Battista de Rossi, who in the year 1638
reprinted in Rome the Greuter globes with but few changes, none of which
can be considered of special import save the introduction of his own
name as printer instead of that of Greuter. It may, however, be noted
that both globes are dated 1636, that below the Tropic of Capricorn on
the terrestrial globe is the legend "Si stampa da Gio Ba[=t]ta de Rossi
Milanese in Piazza Navona. Roma," and that the title legend of the
celestial reads "In hac coelesti sphaera stellae fixae majori quam
hactenus numero et accuratiori industria delineantur novis Asterismis in
Philomatico[=m] gratiam de integro additis: quae omnia secundum
Astronomorum Principis Tychonis Brahe et aliorum observationem verae
suae longitudini ac latitudini ad annum Christi 1636 restituta sunt.
Romae Matteus Greuter exc. 1636." "In this celestial globe are shown the
fixed stars in greater number than previously, and with greater care and
industry, the new constellations being added for the sake of the
student. All these, according to the observations of the Prince of
Astronomers, Tycho Brahe, and likewise the observations of others, have
been assigned to their proper latitude and longitude for the year of
Christ 1636. Made at Rome by Mattheus Greuter 1636."
A pair of these globes of the second edition may be found in the private
library of Cav. Giampieri-Carletti of Piticchio in the Marche; in a
private library of Ancona (owner unknown); in the Seminario Vescovile of
Toscanella. A copy of the terrestrial globe may be found in the
Seminario Vescovile of Macerata; and of the celestial in the library of
Count Francesco Conestabile of Perugia.
The Hispanic Society of America has in its collection a unique globe
which is clearly the work of Mattheus Greuter (Fig. 103), although
issued by Giovanni Battista de Rossi, as is attested by the legend, "Si
Stampa da Gio Batta de Rossi Milanese in Piazza Navona Roma." This
legend, appearing in a neat cartouch, occupies the same position in the
southern hemisphere, near the prime meridian, as that in which one finds
the dedication of his first issue, but that part of the cartouch in the
earlier issue showing the coat of arms of the Boncompagni family is here
left blank. The title of the first issue is repeated save in the
concluding words. Here we read "In iste quam exhibimus ... Mattheus
Greuter auctor. Excudit Romae 1638." Other legends, such as those in the
northern part of North America beginning, "Post apertum a Lusitanis
...," that southeast of Africa beginning, "Quam longitudinis initium
...," and the briefer ones referring to the discovery of the Cape of
Good Hope, to the expedition of Schouten, and to that of Magellan, are
identical in the two editions. It, however, is to be noted that many of
the briefer legends appearing in the first edition are wanting in this
of the year 1638, and that in the latter the place names are greatly
reduced in number. It is further particularly worthy of note that the
North American continent in this later issue is very much altered in its
outline. California appears as an island, "Insula California," and is
separated from the great northwestern section of North America, which is
likewise represented, though somewhat doubtfully, as an island, by the
"Stretto di Anian," while the "Estreito de Jeso" separates the New World
from Asia. The globe ball has a diameter of 26 cm. Its mounting is of
wood. It has a broad horizon circle, on which are the representations of
the signs of the zodiac, the calendar, the Roman and the Italian names
of the winds or directions appearing in concentric circles, the whole
being supported on a base consisting of four exquisitely carved and
rather heavy support columns which are joined below by carved cross
bracings. Its meridian circle is a comparatively recent and very clumsy
substitute of wood for the original which doubtless was of brass. It is
very seldom that one finds a globe of a date so early as is this which
is so well preserved. The engraved map has the freshness of a new and
unused print, excepting a very slight yellow tinge which is the
contribution of age. On this globe map may be found one of the earliest
attempts to give boundary lines to territorial divisions in the New
World such as "Virginia," "La Florida," "Nuovo Mexico," "N. Amsterdam,"
"N. Suetia."
[Illustration: Fig. 103. Terrestrial Globe of Mattheus Greuter, 1638.]
[Illustration: Fig. 103a. Terrestrial Globe of Dominico Rossi (Mattheus
Greuter), 1695.]
[Illustration: Fig. 103b. Celestial Globe of Dominico Rossi (Mattheus
Greuter), 1695.]
Attention has previously been called to the reproduction in Italy of the
Hondius globes by Giuseppe de Rossi in the year 1615. It appears that to
the Rossi family belonged a number of map engravers and art printers
during the seventeenth century and particularly to that branch making
its home in the city of Rome. As globe makers we however find them
playing the rôle of copyists rather than that of independent producers.
In The Hispanic Society's collection of old globes may be found a pair
in an excellent state of preservation signed "Dominici de Rubeis
(Rossi)," and dated "1695." Each globe ball is composed of papier-mâché,
having a diameter of 49 cm. and each is covered with a map printed on
twelve gores, with a small circular disc for the polar space (Figs.
103a, 103b). In the List of Globe Makers other examples are noted.
In the South Pacific, on the terrestrial globe, one finds the
inscription "Romae ex Chalcographia Dominici de Rubeis, heredis 70.
Jacobi, ad templum S. Mariae de Pace, Anno 1695." Dominico, whose name
here appears, achieved considerable distinction as the publisher, with
his relative Giovanni Giacomo de Rossi, of an atlas of one hundred and
fifty-two maps, one of the finest examples of Italian cartography of the
period. In a cartouch in the South Atlantic, on this globe, we find the
name Mattheus Greuter given as the engraver, whose work has been
referred to above, clearly suggesting that Rossi had merely reissued a
globe of earlier date, since Greuter had died in the year 1638. A
careful examination of the globe map confirms the suggestion, since no
record is made of geographical discoveries after the year 1630. In the
region of the North Pole the discoveries of the English and of the Dutch
are recorded to the year 1628, and it may further be noted that in this
same northern region the islands of "Frislanda" and "Brasil" are laid
down, while in Greenland is a reference to the location of the fabled
Monastery of St. Thomas.
References are made in legends to the discoveries of Magellan, Lemaire,
Schouten, Frobisher, Davis, Hudson, and Drake. The region about New York
is called "Nieu Nederland." One can recognize the representation of the
St. Lawrence, and the Mississippi. In the western region of the New
World there appears to be considerable confusion as to the geography of
the country, apparently the result of reading, without understanding,
the records of the Spanish and of the English. One finds, for example,
California represented as an island, and a double representation of the
Strait of Anian.
The Spanish, French, English, Dutch, and Latin languages have been
employed in names and legends.
The mounting of the globe is artistic and substantial, consisting of the
usual horizon circle, octagonal on its outer edge, but circular on the
inner edge to receive the globe ball, and having pasted on its upper
surface the usual engraved paper strips and all that there is engraved
thereon in the best examples of globe making. The meridian circle of
wood, within which the sphere is made to revolve, is graduated. The
supporting base consists of four exquisitely turned columns, braced at
bottom with correspondingly well-turned crossbars.
The celestial globe has a mounting altogether like that of the
terrestrial, and in the character of the map engraving there is
agreement. The figures of the several constellations are copies of these
drawn by Tycho Brahe, and all have been exquisitely colored. Stars from
the first to the sixth magnitude are represented, while special
attention is called to the new star in Cassiopeia first appearing in the
year 1572, and to the comets of the years 1597 and 1616. Near Ursa Major
is the author and date legend reading "In hoc Caelesto Globo notantur
omnes stellae fixae, ad annum 1636 accommodatae, quae iuxta
observationes Tychonis Brahae maximo illo Jansonii anno 1622 edito
positae sunt, additis stellis quae a nauclero Petro Theod. circa Polum
Australem notatae sunt ... Romae ex chalcographia Dominici de Rubeis,
her. Jo. Jac. de Rubeis anno 1695."
The twelve gores of the map have been mounted so as to join at the north
and south poles of the ecliptic, there however being a small covering
disc at each pole, so frequently employed since Mercator's day, the
globe itself being made to revolve on its equatorial axes.
To the makers of armillary spheres in the first half of the seventeenth
century there may be added the name of Adam Heroldt, a native of
Germany. We know little, however, of the extent of his activities. One
example of his work is known, which bears the simple inscription
engraved near the south polar circle "Adam Heroldt fecit Romae anno d[=n]i
MDCIL." "Made by Adam Heroldt in the year 1649." This sphere once
belonged to the astronomer De Gasparis of Naples, but passed some years
since into the collection of the Museo Astronomico of Rome. It is
constructed entirely of brass, the diameter of the largest circle being
about 14 cm. Its several circles, including the polar, the equatorial,
the zodiacal, and the horizon, are graduated, the last-named having
engraved on its surface the names of the months and of the winds, and
resting on two semicircles, which in turn are supported by an
artistically designed foot. The entire height of the sphere is about 20
cm. At the north pole is an hour circle bearing the inscription "Index
Hor: Italic." Within and at the common center of the several circles is
a small ball representing the terrestrial sphere, which has a diameter
of but 1 cm., and within the circle of the ecliptic and coördinated with
it is a ring carrying the sun, while within this is one for the moon.
The piece may be referred to as a fine example of the armillary sphere
of the period.
Manfredo Settàla (1600-1680)[59], a nobleman of Italy, was in his day a
distinguished promoter of science and art, and an intelligent collector
of rare objects, which he brought together in a museum of his own
founding. This he described in a work bearing title 'Museum
Septalianum,' which was published in Italian in the year 1666 by
Scarabelli. This museum later passed into the possession of the
Ambrosiana of Milan, where it has been considered one of the choicest
additions.
Settàla had included globes in his collection, among which there has
previously been mentioned that made by the Cremonese Gianelli, in the
year 1549. But not only was he a collector; he likewise became
interested in the actual work of globe construction. Among the objects
coming to the Ambrosiana from his museum is an armillary sphere bearing
the inscription, "Manfredus Settalius fecit MDCXLVI."[60] It is
described as a sphere having a base of brass, its several circles
including those representing the zodiac, the equator, the meridians, and
the horizon, all being movable on a common axis, on which axis at the
common center of the circles is a small ball 4 cm. in diameter,
representing the earth. To this sphere rather extravagant praise is
given in the descriptive catalogue referred to above.
There is a third armillary sphere belonging to the Settàla collection,
which is of silver and which probably was constructed near the middle of
the seventeenth century, although it is neither signed nor dated. It is
40 cm. in height, having a circle representing the ecliptic 15 cm. in
diameter, which is graduated, having on its upper surface engraved
figures representing the twelve zodiacal constellations. The meridian
circle has a diameter of 16 cm., the horizon a diameter of 16 cm. and a
breadth of 3 cm., on the upper surface of which have been engraved the
names of the months, and the signs of the zodiac. In addition to the
parts mentioned it has two small polar circles, and at the common center
a small silver ball 1 cm. in diameter representing the earth.
Attention has been previously called to the transfer of the business of
Jodocus Hondius into the hands of the son-in-law, Johan Janssonius, and
of Abraham Goos, by whom it was carried on after the year 1640. This
firm continued to issue the Hondius globes, modifying them from issue to
issue with the addition of some of the latest geographical information
obtainable. In the year 1648, with Johan Janssonius as editor and
Abraham Goos as author and engraver, there was issued a pair of these
revised Hondius globes, each having a diameter of 87 cm. On the
terrestrial globe we read "Amstelodami Edebat Joannes Jansonius
Sculpebat magnoque studio componebat Abrahamus Goos Amstelodamensis."
"Amsterdam. Edited by Johan Jansonius. Composed with much study and
engraved by Abraham Goos a native of Amsterdam." Further details
concerning this globe have not been obtainable, but it is very certain,
although differing in size, it contains practically all the features
common to the earlier editions of the Hondius terrestrial globes, and
especially of the later ones.
The celestial globes have the following inscription: "Sphaera nova summo
studio summaque diligentia atque industria Clarissimi viri D. Adriani
Metii Watheseos apud Frunequeranos Professoris Ordinarii ad abacos
Nobilissimi viri Thiconis Brahe configurata observationibus quamplurimis
tum circa polum arcticum a discipulo suo Houtmanno adhibitis aucta et in
annum 1620 reducta. Edente Joanne Jansonio 1648." "A new globe
constructed with the greatest industry, zeal and diligence accommodated
to the tables of the most noble Tycho Brahe, enlarged by very many
observations, those around the Arctic pole being made by myself, and
those around the Antarctic by his disciple Houtmann. All, accommodated
to the year 1630. Constructed by Johan Jansonius, 1648." A pair of these
globes may be found in the library of the Marquis Borromeo of Milan.
NOTES
[1] Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. XXVII, p. 242; Aa, A. J.
v. d. Biographische Woordenboek der Nederlanden. Haarlem, 1853.
"Hondius, Jodocus," to which notice there is appended a list of
short bibliographical references; Kramm, C. De Leven en Werken der
Hollandsche en Vlaamsche Kunstenaars. Amsterdam, 1857-1861.
"Hondius, Jodocus."
[2] See for an interesting example of his early work his world map
printed at The Hague in the year 1595. This map, in two hemispheres,
lays down the track of Drake's circumnavigation, 1577-1580, and that
of Cavendish, 1586-1588. An original of this may be found in the
Grenville Library of the British Museum, a reproduction in the work
referred to below, n. 42.
[3] Aa, op. cit., "Bertius, Petrus de," "Montanus, Petrus." See also
Kramm, op. cit.
[4] For a list of the Hondius Atlases of various dates see Phillips,
P. L. A list of Geographical Atlases. Washington, 1909-1914. 3
vols.
[5] Stevenson, E. L., and Fischer, J. Map of the World by Jodocus
Hondius, with 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.' New York, 1907. Facsimile in eighteen large sheets with key
map and text.
[6] There is much doubt as to the correct reading of the date.
[7] These globes were acquired by Mr. Huntington at the auction sale
held in the rooms of the American Art Association, November 24,
1916. They were listed in the catalogue of "Art treasures and
Antiquities from the famous Davanzati Palace, and the Villa Pia,
Florence, Italy," under No. 575 as "a pair of sixteenth century
Italian globes." No other printed reference than that contained in
this catalogue has hitherto appeared. It is hardly probable that a
finer pair of these early Holland globes can be found in any of the
museums or private libraries of Europe.
[8] Fiorini. Sfere terrestre e celesti. p. 265.
[9] Wagner, H. Lehrbuch der Geographie. Leipzig, 1903. pp. 78-81;
Frisius, G. De principiis astronomiae et cosmographiae. Antwerp,
1530. Chap. titled "De novo modo inveniendi longitudinem";
Ptolemaeus. Geographia. Chap. 4. Ptolemy here refers to an eclipse
of the moon, in the year 331 B.C., which was observed in Arbela the
fifth hour, in Carthage the second hour. He therefore noted a
difference in time of three hours between the two places, and he
therefore concluded the difference in longitude to be 43 degrees.
Since the actual difference in longitude is but 34 degrees his error
was of considerable magnitude, which found expression in his maps,
and in the maps of those who followed him, as the greatest of
geographical teachers, well into the seventeenth century. The method
of determining longitude by means of the observation of the eclipses
of the moon remained practically the only method until the end of
the fifteenth century. Attention may here be called to work of
Cassini and of other astronomers of his period. See II, 141.
[10] Aa, op. cit., "Veen, Adrien," also Kramm, op. cit.
[11] Baudet, P. J. H. Leven en werken van Willem Jansz. Blaeu.
Utrecht, 1871. pp. 156-158; "Extract uit de Resol. der Staten van
Holland en West-Vriesland, 5 Aug. 1608."
[12] Fiorini, op. cit., p. 271.
[13] Information kindly furnished by the director.
[14] See II, 11.
[15] The parrot particularly interested the early explorers who
visited the South American coast. See the artistic representation
appearing on the Cantino map, in apparently the oldest extant
representation of an American landscape.
[16] Voyages of Fox and James to the Northwest. Ed. by Christy
Miller for the Hakluyt Society. London, 1894. See especially the
second part of Vol. II, "The strange and dangerous voyage of Captain
Thomas James, London, 1633."
[17] The voyage of Thomas Button was made in the years 1612-1613, an
account of which is given in Voyages of Fox and James, Vol. I. pp.
162-201.
[18] Bauer, L. A. Principal Facts Relating to the Earth's Magnetism.
(In: United States Magnetic Declination Tables and Isogonic Charts
for 1902. Washington, 1902.) Printed also as a separate;
Wolkenhauer, A. Beiträge zur Geschichte der Kartographie und Nautik
des 15 bis 17 Jahrhundert. München, 1904; Hellmann, G. Ueber die
Kentniss der magnetischen Deklination vor Christopher Columbus. (In:
Meteorologische Zeitschrift. Braunschweig, 1906.) Gilbert, W. De
Magnete. London, 1600, and reissued in translation in 1893. This
work is one of great significance in its treatment of magnetism and
electricity. See especially Bk. IV on Variation, Pedro Medina in his
Art de Navigar, Valladolid, 1545, contended that the magnetic needle
always points to the true north; Stevenson, E. L. Early Spanish
Cartography of the New World. (In: Proceedings of the American
Antiquarian Society. Worcester, 1909.) Attention is called in this
paper to certain errors in early Spanish maps, probably due to a
failure to note properly the declination of the magnetic needle.
[19] Baudet, op. cit.; same author. Nachscrift, 1872; same author.
Notice sur la part prise par Willem Jansz. Blaeu dans la
détermination des longitudes terrestres. Utrecht, 1875. Stevenson,
E. L. Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638), a sketch of his life and
work with an especial reference to his large world map of 1605 with
facsimile. New York, 1914; Aa, op. cit., Vol. II. pp. 578-580; Dozy,
C. M. Willem Janszoon Blaeu. (In: Tijdschrift van het Nederlandsch
Aardrijkskundig Genootschap. Amsterdam, 1887. pp. 206-215.); Tiele,
P. A. Leven en werken van Willem Jansz. Blaeu door P. J. Baudet.
(In: De Gids. Amsterdam, 1872. Dorde Serie, Vol. I, pp. 356-367.);
Tiele, P. A. Nederlandsche Bibliographie van Land- en Volkerkunde.
Amsterdam, 1884. See this work for a bibliography of the works of
Blaeu.
[20] Baudet, op. cit., pp. 77-114.
[21] See reference to Tycho Brahe, I, 183.
[22] See I, 184.
[23] Pictures of these instruments may be found in Le grand Atlas.
[24] Kepler, J. Astronomia nova ... De Motibus Stellae Martis.
Prague, 1609; Allgemeine deutsche Biographie, "Kepler, Johann";
Wolf, Geschichte der Astronomie, pp. 281-310.
[25] In his earliest maps and charts Blaeu clearly had as his main
purpose that of being of service to navigators.
[26] Blaeu, J. Le grand Atlas ou Cosmographie Blaviane. Amsterdam,
1663-1671. 12 Vols. Practically the same work in the Latin, the
Dutch, and the Spanish languages. A bibliographical list of Blaeu's
principal geographical publications is given in Stevenson, op. cit.,
pp. 65-67, in Phillips, op. cit., and in Tiele, op. cit.
[27] Stevenson, op. cit., p. 25.
[28] Génard, P. M. N. J. Les globes de Guillaume Blaeu. (In:
Bulletin Société Géographie d'Anvers. Anvers, 1883. Vol. VIII, pp.
159-160.); Baudet, op. cit., pp. 35-52; Stevenson, op. cit., pp. 15,
43-50.
[29] The Mercator globe has a diameter of 41 cm. and the Van Langren
a diameter of 32 cm.
[30] Fiorini, op. cit., p. 242.
[31] Baumgärtner, J. Zwei alte Globen von Blaeu. Erdkugel von 1599
und Himmel-Globis von 1603. (In: Das Ausland. Stuttgart, 1885. No.
15, pp. 299-300.)
[32] (In: Hakluyt Society Publications, Ser. II, Vol. XVIII, pp.
187, 189.)
[33] Kästner, A. G. Geschichte der Mathematik, Vol. III, p. 86.
[34] Catalogus librorum, tam impressorum, quam manuscriptorum,
Bibliothecae publicae Universitatis Lugduno-Batavae. Lugduni apud
Batavos, 1716. p. 500.
[35] Van der Noort sailed in the year 1598.
[36] See reference in note 32 above.
[37] Compare the austral land on this globe with that on Mercator's
globe of 1541, on the Hondius globe of 1600, on the Spano globe of
1593, et al.
[38] Photographs of these globes were reproduced in Stevenson,
Willem Janszoon Blaeu. p. 44.
[39] See II, 13.
[40] There was much discussion throughout these years as to the
proper location of the prime meridian.
[41] Asher, G. M. Henry Hudson the Navigator. (In: Hakluyt Society
Publications. London, 1860. Ser. I, Vol. 27.)
[42] Drake, Sir F. The World Encompassed, with introduction by Vaux,
W. S. W. (In: Hakluyt Society Publications. London, 1854. First
Series, 16.)
[43] Stevenson and Fischer. World Map of Jodocus Hondius. The
evolution of a knowledge of the Great Lakes region and its
cartographical representation should prove to be a topic of
absorbing interest.
[44] Brown, A. The Genesis of the United States. Boston and New
York, 1891. Vol. I, p. 229.
Historians of this period in American history, with scarcely an
exception, have taken it for granted that the expression "from sea
to sea" means from the Atlantic to the Pacific, apparently not
stopping to inquire as to the geographical notions entertained at
the time of the granting of the Charter concerning the regions in
question. The interpretation here offered takes into consideration
the fact that Jodocus Hondius, perhaps the most distinguished
geographer and map maker of his day, was much in favor in England at
the time of the formation of the London Company and was much
consulted concerning the geography of the New World. What he thought
of the Virginia region to the "west and northwest" he has laid down
in his large world map. It seems all but proven that the statement
"from sea to sea west and northwest" means from the Atlantic to the
great but indefinite inland sea "Mare Septentrionale Americae."
To interpret this expression as meaning from the Atlantic to the
Pacific shows the historian, as Freeman has stated it, "in bondage
to the modern map." Here is a striking illustration of the
importance attaching to the study of historical geography, and to
its subordinate branch, historical cartography. Blaeu, Plancius,
Greuter, and others, if not so clear and emphatic in their
presentation of this region, evidently entertained practically the
same geographical notion as Hondius.
[45] Fiorini, op. cit., p. 257.
[46] Letter to the author signed and dated, D. Fana, 28/1/1914.
[47] Founded in the year 1602.
[48] Jameson, J. F. Willem Usselinx, Founder of the Dutch and
Swedish West India Companies. New York, 1887.
[49] Wieder, F. C. De Wereldkaart van Petrus Plancius in het Colegio
del Corpus Cristi te Valencia. (In: Tijdschrift van het Nederlandsch
Aardrijkskundig Genootschap. Leiden, 1915. pp. 301-318.)
[50] Blundeville. Exercises. pp. 245-278. In this volume pages are
numbered on recto only.
[51] Linschoten, J. H. v. Itinerarium ofte schipvaert naer dost ofte
Portugaels Indien. Groningen, 1614.
[52] Fiorini, op. cit., p. 278.
[53] Doppelmayr, op. cit., pp. 101, 115, 116.
[54] See Doppelmayr.
[55] See reference to Christian Heyden, I, 156.
[56] Garcia de Céspedes. Regimiento de Navigacion. Madrid, 1606. p.
148.
[57] Royal Geographical Journal, London. London, 1893. p. 384.
[58] Baglione, G. Le vite de' pittori, scultori, architetti ed
intagliatori dal pontificato di Gregorio XIII del 1572 fino ai tempi
di Urbano VIII nel 1642. Napoli, 1743. p. 282; Vaugondy, R. d. Essai
sur l'histoire de la Géographie. Paris, 1775. p. 189; Magini, A.
Italia di Gio: Al Serenissimo Ferdinando Gonzaga duca di Mantova e
di Monferrato, cum privilegio. Bononiae, MDCXX.
[59] Litta, P. Le famiglie celebri d'Italia. Milano, 1819.
[60] Fiorini, op. cit., pp. 299-301.
[Illustration: Armillary Sphere. _From Blagrave, Mathematical Jewel,
1585_]