position of the stars which he represented on his globe, referring to
this fact in his legend. "L'epoca di questo globo è perfissa nell'anno
futuro 1700 acciocchè l'arte in quest' opera precorra quel tempo che per
natura dovrà consumarla. Prevenendo questo globo tardo il Corso veloce
del Cielo, comparisce presente il secolo venturo acciò possi ognuno con
ordine più facile ridurre agli anni scorsi le stelle fisse colla
sottrazione di 51 secondi come piace a Ticone, o 50 seguendo il parere
del Ricciolo. Volendo specolare il sistema degli anni anco posteriore
all'epoca stabilita, aggiungasi proporzionalmente al 1700 che seguirà la
riduttione senza errore sensibile per tutto lo spazio di 400 anni." "The
epoch of this globe is fixed for the year 1700, in order that the labor
in its construction may have the time which naturally will be required
for its completion. As this belated globe anticipates the rapid movement
of the sky, the coming century appears as though present, anyone may be
able in easier fashion to change to past years the fixed stars, by the
subtraction of fifty-one seconds as Tycho reckons, or fifty according to
the opinion of Ricciola. If one desires to speculate also upon the
system of the years posterior to the established epoch, let him add
proportionally to 1700, and the change will follow without sensible
error for the entire period of 400 years."
To the constellations he makes the following reference: "Furono
osservate molte stelle in vicinanza del Polo antartico incognite non
solo agli Egizij e Greci, ma ancora a Ticone Brahe. Osservò parimente
Federico Houtmano, nell'Isola Sumatra, molte stelle vicine al Polo
medesimo, le quali essendo state incognite agli accinnati autori, le
ridussero in 13 costellazioni cioè Fenice Colomb Mosca, Pesce volante,
Camaleonte, Triangolo Australe, Uccello Indiano, Pavone, l'Uomo Indiano,
la Gru, il Toucan, l'Hindro e il dorado; altri dopo v'hanno aggiunto la
Nube Grande, la Picciola e la Romboide. Noi abbiamo arricchito questo
Globo d'un maggior numero di stelle, scoperte dall' Hallei Inglese, che
si trasportò a tal effetto nell'Isola S. Elena, coll'aggiunta d'altre
osservatione, così do questo come d'altri scritton." "There have been
observed many stars in the vicinity of the Antarctic pole, unknown not
only to the Egyptians and Greeks, but also to Tycho Brahe. There have
been observed likewise by Frederick Houtmann, on the Island of Sumatra,
many stars near the same pole which having been unknown to the
above-mentioned authors, they reduced to 13 constellations, namely the
Phoenix, the Dove, the Fly, the Flying Fish, the Chameleon, the Southern
Triangle, the Indian Bird, the Peacock, the Indian Man, the Crane, the
Toucan, the Water-Snake, and the Goldfish; others since then have been
added to these, the Greater Cloud and the Lesser, and the Rhomboid. We
have enriched this globe with a considerable number of stars discovered
by the Englishman Halley, who was sent to the Island of St. Helena for
this purpose, with the addition of other observations as they have
written."
Thirty-eight constellations are designated in the northern hemisphere,
twelve in the zodiac, and thirty-three in the southern hemisphere, thus
adding thirty-five to the number as given by Ptolemy. Instead of
Ptolemy's 1022 catalogued stars, including fifteen of the first
magnitude, forty-five of the second, two hundred and eight of the third,
four hundred and seventy-four of the fourth, two hundred and seventeen
of the fifth, forty-nine of the sixth, and forty which were nebular and
indistinct, Coronelli gives the number as 1902, including eighteen of
the first, sixty-eight of the second, two hundred and thirty-seven of
the third, four hundred and ninety-six of the fourth, four hundred and
eighty-nine of the fifth, five hundred and sixteen of the sixth, and
seventy-eight which were nebular and indistinct. Five of the latter,
having been discovered in the previous one hundred and twenty-five
years, had wholly or in part disappeared in Coronelli's day, of which,
that making its appearance in the constellation Cassiopeia in the year
1572 disappeared in the year 1574, that discovered in the year 1596 in
the Whale was rapidly diminishing in size, that discovered by Tycho
Brahe in the Swan in the year 1600 ceased to be visible in the year 1629
to reappear in the year 1659, that in the Serpent larger than the planet
Jupiter which was visible but thirteen months, that in the head of the
Swan discovered in the year 1670 and still visible.
Coronelli seems to have made every endeavor to produce maps for his
terrestrial globes which should omit nothing of real interest and value
to geographers, navigators, and explorers. He added a rather unusual
number of legends, explanatory and informative in character, but never
seemed to crowd the space which he had at his disposal. So exquisitely
engraved were his maps that he was able to avoid the appearance of
confusion noticeable on certain other globes of his century, as, for
example, in the Old World parts of Blaeu's globe of 1622. It is very
evident that many pages would be required for anything like a detailed
description of his records, and the great majority must necessarily be
omitted. To those quoted above a few, however, may be added.
Blaeu's reference to the prime meridian was cited in full as was that of
Moroncelli; Coronelli's reference is here likewise cited, which, it
will be noted, is not without errors. It is one having to do with
problems concerning the determination of longitude, hence involving
interests of vital concern to navigation. "Del primo meridiano. Sono in
questo 72 meridiani, 36 con linee continuate, le altre sono di punti, da
ciascuno dei quali è diviso in G. 5 di longitudine che è il corso del
Sole in un terzo d'oro. Li Geografi antichi e moderni non convengono nel
luogo dove passa il primo meridiano; tra li primi Eratostene l'ha posto
alle Colonne d'Hercole, Marino di Tyr all'Isole Fortunate, Tolomeo nella
sua Geografia ha seguito la stessa opinione; ma ne' suoi libri di
Astronomia l' ha passato per Alessandria d'Egitto. Tra li moderni
Ismaele Abulfeda lo segna a Cadiz, Alfonzo a Toledo, Pigafetta et
Herrera hanno fatto il medisimo; Copernico lo pone a Freudenburgo;
Renoldo a Monte Reale o Konisberg; Keplero a Uraniburgo; Longo Montano a
Kopenhagen; Lansbergius a Goes; Ricciolo a Bologna. Gli Atlanti di
Jansonio e di Blaeu a Monte Pico. Per continuare l'origine della mia
Geografia ho posto in questo Globo il primo meridiano nella parte più
occidentale della Isola di Ferro, com'onche per seguire il Decreto di
Luigi XIII, che col consiglio de' Geog. nel 1634 lo determinò in questo
stesso luogo." "Concerning the first meridian. There are represented on
this 72 meridians, 36 with continuous lines--the others are marked,--by
each of which it is divided into 5 degrees of longitude, which is the
course of the sun in one third of an hour. The ancient and modern
geographers do not agree upon the place through which the first meridian
passes: among the former, Eratosthenes put it at the Pillars of
Hercules; Marinus of Tyre at the Canary Islands; Ptolemy in his
geography has followed the same opinion, but in his books on astronomy
he has located it as running through Alexandria in Egypt. Among the
moderns, Ismail Aboulfeda puts it at Cadiz; Alfonso at Toledo; Pigafetta
and Herrera have done the same; Copernicus puts it at Freudenberg;
Reinhold at Mount Royal (Königsberg); Kepler at Uranienburg;
Longomontanus at Copenhagen; Lansberg at Goa; Ricciola at Bologna; the
atlases of Jansson and Blaeu at Mount Pico. To continue the precedent of
my geography I have on this globe placed the first meridian in the most
western part of the Island of Ferro,--as also to follow the decree of
Louis XIII, who on the advice of the geographers in 1634 assigned it to
this same place." California he lays down as an island, west of which is
a legend relating to "Nuova Albione," and north in the Pacific one
relating to "Stretto di Anian." There is reference to the route to Goa,
which is placed near the Island of Madagascar. The reference to the
Zambesi River clearly gives evidence of acquaintance with Portuguese
records of which we have no other knowledge. This legend reads, "Rio
Zambese: Città e fortezza di Tete de Portugal; Fortezza di S. Estevao;
Minere di Ferro; Minere d'argento che il Re di Monom. promise al Re di
Spagna nel 1604; Fortezza di Chicova." "Zambesi River: City and fortress
of Tete of Portugal; fortress of S. Estevao; iron mines; silver mines
which the King of Monomotapa promised to the King of Spain in 1604;
fortress of Chicova." Like the other leading map makers of the period he
has indicated the course of certain transoceanic expeditions,
occasionally noting the distance sailed on each successive day, with
other valuable and interesting information relating to the position of
the sun and the moon, to atmospheric conditions, to the appearance of
sea birds and of certain marine animals.
Globes of this 1688 edition may be found in the Biblioteca Comunale of
Fano; in the Biblioteca Comunale of Faenza; in the Königliche
Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon of Dresden, celestial undated; in the
Biblioteca Civico of Bergamo; in the Biblioteca Gonzaga of Mantua; in
the Biblioteca Marciana of Venice (Figs. 112, 113); in the Museo Civico
of Venice; in the Biblioteca Universitario of Naples; in the Palazzo
Manin of Passeriano. The twelve gores of the terrestrial globe may be
found in the British Museum; a fine copy of the twelve gores may also
be found in the Library of Congress, Washington; a copy of the mounted
terrestrial globe belongs to the Biblioteca Emanuele of Rome; three
copies of this globe in addition to the pair referred to above belong to
the Museo Civico of Venice.
[Illustration: Fig. 112. Terrestrial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli,
1688.]
[Illustration: Fig. 113. Celestial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli,
1688.]
It appears that Coronelli's terrestrial globe gores of the year 1688,
which were frequently reissued, were but little altered in the several
editions. His celestial globe in successive issues seems to have been
much altered. France had specially honored the Venetian globe maker in
giving to him every facility for the production of his great
masterpieces, the Marly globes. The Société Gallica of Paris decided, in
the year 1693, to add to his honors, and to give expression to an
appreciation of his merits through the publication of a new edition of
his globes, at least of the celestial, the Venetian terrestrial of 1688
being made to serve as a companion. In the following legend we have
information concerning the date, and concerning the participants in its
preparation: "Orbis coelesti typus. Opus a Coronelli Serenissimae
Reipublicae Cosmographo inchoatum Societatis Gallicae sumptibus
absolutum, Lutetiae Parisiorum. Anno N. S. MDCXCIII. Delin. Arnoldus
Deuvez Regiae Acad. Pictor; Sculp. I. B. Nolin Reg. Chr. Calcographus."
"Representation of a celestial globe. A work begun by Coronelli, the
cosmographer of the Venetian Republic; finished at the expense of the
French Society at Paris in the year 1693. Drawn by Arnold Deuvez painter
of the Royal Academy; I. B. Nolin Royal Cartographer, draughtsman."
The Parisian Society did not find it necessary to substitute the French
language in the legends for the language of the author, as appears in
the address to the reader, which of course is not Coronelli phrasing.
"Amico lettore. Rappresenta questa Globo le Costellazioni del
Firmamento, quali agli occhi nostri compariscono e non come negli altri
esposte, poichè nel centro loro bisogna immaginarsi d'essore per
intenderle. Le stelle d'esso calcolate all'Epoca 1700 sono pubblicati.
Quelle comprese dalle Costellazioni di Baiero, come le più cognite,
perchè con maggiore facilità si possino colle nostre confrontare, sono
accompagnate cogli caratteri greci e latini da es so usati. Le stelle,
ch' appresso Baiero, restano informi, sono, da noi segnate di giallo; le
Nuove colorite di minio; le osservate dal P. Antelmo di verde, quelle
dell' Hallei di pavonazzo, l'altre di Hevelio di lacca; le corrette da
Baiero di Cinabro, e l'osservazioni fatte dagli altri autori si
distinguono nel nostro Epitome Cosmografico, stampato in Venetia nel
1693. In questo pure vengono dilucidati gli Numeri, Caratteri, le
Frezze, che passano diametralmente per le stelle, la loro Obliquità,
Lunghezza, l'Acume, gli Pianeti che l'accompagnano; il moto diario delle
Comete, disegnate di molti secoli, ed ogni altro perticolare che per
l'angustia del sito non è permesso esprimere senza il di cui libra non
possono avere uso gli Globi presenti che pure restano descritti nel
nostro Atlante Veneto non però così diffusamente." "Dear reader. This
globe represents the constellations of the firmament as they appear to
our eyes and not as shown by others, since it is necessary to imagine
that one is in their center in order to conceive them. The stars of the
globe are represented as calculated for the year 1700. Those included in
the constellations of Bayer, as the best known, in order that they, with
greater ease may be compared with ours, are designated by the Greek and
Latin characters used by him. Stars, which according to Bayer remain
undetermined, are indicated by us as yellow; the new ones colored with
red; those observed by P. Antelmo, with green, those of Halley with
violet, the others of Hevelius with lake color; the stars corrected by
Bayer with cinnabar; and the observations made by other authors are
distinguished in our Cosmographical Epitome, printed in Venice in 1693.
In this also are elucidated the numbers, characters, the lines that pass
diametrically through the stars, their obliquity, length, extremity, the
planets that accompany them, the daily movement of the comets, traced
for many centuries, and every other particular which because of the
limitations of space it is not here permitted to express,--without which
book it is not possible to make use of the present globes, which are
also described in our Venetian Atlas, but not so detailed."
Pairs of his globes are very numerous which include the terrestrial of
the year 1688, now and then with some modifications, and the celestial
of the year 1693, these being usually, but not in all instances dated,
the latter being the Paris issue or apparently a slightly modified
Venetian edition of the same. It must be admitted that it is not easy to
classify the copies of his globes which followed his first issue of the
year 1688, but which have the same dimensions. In not a few of these
provision was made for a special dedication, the cartouch for such
dedication being often left blank, to be filled when occasion seemed to
offer for the bestowal of the special honor. Some of these globes
containing such special dedication are known, to which reference is made
below.
Examples of Coronelli's work belonging to this group may be found in the
following libraries or museums: In the Landesmuseum of Zürich (Fig.
114); in the Seminario Vescovile of Aversa; in the Biblioteca Comunale
of Bologna; in the Archivo di Stato of Bologna; in the Biblioteca
Privato of Professor Liuzzi of Bologna; in the Convento dell' Osservanza
of Bologna; in the Museo di Strumenti Antichi of Florence; in the Museo
Civico of Genoa; a copy of the celestial in the British Museum of
London; in the Biblioteca Brancacciana of Naples; in the Biblioteca
Nazionale of Naples; in the Biblioteca Nazionale of Palermo; in the
Biblioteca Antoniana of Padua; in the Bibliothèque Nationale of Paris;
in the Biblioteca Classense of Ravenna; in the Biblioteca Lancisiana of
Rome; in the Accademia delle Scienze of Turin; in the Seminario
Patriarcale of Venice; in the Biblioteca Comunale of Vicenza; of the
terrestrial in the Royal Library of Madrid. The Vicenza examples, also
those in the Archivo di Stato of Bologna and in the Biblioteca Nazionale
of Palermo, are dedicated to the "Eminentissimo e reverendissimo
Principe" Cardinal Pietro Ottoboni. The interesting brief legend,
reading "Alexander a Via Veronensis sculpsit" on the celestial globe,
gives us clearly to understand that there were Venetian issues of that
edition which made its first appearance in Paris under the auspices of
the Société Gallica. The gores of this issue Coronelli printed in his
'Atlante Veneto,' Volume XI.
[Illustration: Fig. 114. Terrestrial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli,
1688.]
In the year 1696 Coronelli made an extensive European tour which carried
him as far as England, an account of which he published in Venice in the
following year under the title 'Viaggio de Venezia fino in Inghilterra.'
In this work the author describes an edition of his globes which he
referred to as having a diameter of "un piede e mezzo," or about 48 cm.,
prepared in London and dedicated to the English King William III, of
which it has been possible to locate several examples. A particularly
fine copy of the terrestrial may be found in the collection of The
Hispanic Society of America (Fig. 115), agreeing in all its details with
the other copies, in so far, at least, as the information obtained seems
to indicate. In an elaborately decorated cartouch near the south polar
region is the dedicatory inscription, reading "Globum hujusmodi
Terraqueum Guglielmo invictissimo ac potentissimo Magnae Britaniae etc.
Regi Dicat, Vocat. consecrat. Pater, Magister Vincentius Coronelli Mon.
Con. S. Francisci Serenissimae Venetorum Reipublicae Cosmographus
MDCLXXXXVI. Londini." "This terrestrial globe, Father and Master
Vincentio Coronelli, Brother of the Franciscan Order and Cosmographer of
the Venetian Republic, dedicates, names and consecrates to William III,
the Invincible and Mighty King of Great Britain." Not far from the above
is a somewhat elaborate representation of the king's coat of arms with
the motto "Hony soit qui mal y pense. Je maintienderay." Its mounting
consists of a narrow graduated meridian circle of wood which is made to
pass, in the usual manner, through a horizon circle of wood, the outer
edge of which is octagonal. The upper surface of this horizon circle is
covered with an engraved horizon sheet giving within concentric circles
the names of the zodiacal constellations, names of the months with the
names of the prominent saints, the names of the principal winds, and of
the principal directions in Italian. It has a supporting base of four
artistically turned columns with binding crossbars extending from each
post to a central circular plate 17 cm. in diameter, carrying the post
through a slot in which the meridian circle is made to pass. The north
pole is topped with a thin pasteboard hour circle and pointer. The globe
map is composed of twelve gores which are truncated in latitude 80
degrees both north and south, the polar spaces being covered with
circular discs, and are cut on the line of the equator. The sphere is
exceedingly light in weight, being composed of papier-mâché. In every
particular the globe is one remarkably well preserved, and is one of the
finest examples of early globe making in the society's collection.
[Illustration: Fig. 115. Terrestrial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli,
1696.]
[Illustration: Fig. 115a. Terrestrial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli,
1693.]
[Illustration: Fig. 115b. Celestial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli,
1693.]
In geographical names the map records are very full, these being given
either in Italian, Spanish, Latin, Dutch, English, or in the native
language of the country in which they appear. Curiously enough in many
instances the author appears to give his own peculiar spelling,
approaching therein, to the best of his ability, the spelling suggested
by the pronunciation of the several names. Legends are exceedingly
numerous, many of them recording incidents relating to certain
expeditions or to certain discoveries, such as the expedition of
Magellan; early expeditions along the west coast of North America,
including reference to Cortes, Ulloa, Alarçon, Cabrillo, Guzman, Drake;
expeditions to the East Indies, including that of Le Maire, Hoorn, Van
Diemen, Chaumont, and others. Boundary lines of local regions, in both
the Old and the New World are exceedingly numerous, which fact in itself
gives a somewhat unique value to the map as of geographical and
historical value. California appears as an island, and a great stretch
of ocean appears between northwest North America and northeast Asia
wherein is located land with indefinite outline marked, "Terra de Jesso
ó Jeco, Yedco, Esso et Sesso Scoperta dagli Hollandesi l'anno 1643." The
map of North America is particularly of interest and value, especially
for the region of the United States.
Pictures of ships sailing the ocean, those of the oriental peoples as
well as those of the occidental are numerous, as are also pictures
representing seal fishing, and pictures representing the methods of
capturing polar bears and whales. It is interesting to note that
loxodromic lines or sailing lines have disappeared from such maps, that
the map and the chart are here seen to merge.
The celestial globe of this edition has practically the same dedication
as the terrestrial, the word "Terraqueum" alone being changed to
"Coelestem." There is on this the following address: "Amico Lettore.
Oltre ai molti Globi delineati dal P. Cosmografo Coronelli per Sovrani
diversi di varie e vaste misure, ne ha ultimamente composti e stampati
di cinque grandezze a pubblico beneficio, fra i quali i più comodi ed
esatti sono i presenti. I numeri che accompagnano le stelle calcolate
all'epoca del 1700; così l'altre notizie, ad uso dei medesimi Globi,
vengono nel suo Epitome Cosmografico diffusamente spiegati." "Dear
reader. Besides the many globes delineated by the cosmographer P.
Coronelli, for divers Sovereigns, he has recently composed and printed
some in five sizes for the use of the public, among which the most
convenient and exact are the present ones. The numbers that accompany
the stars are calculated for the epoch 1700; moreover the other
particulars for the use of these same globes are extensively developed
in his Epitome Cosmografico."
In the reference to the several constellations there is repeated, with
but slight alteration, the statements made on his larger globes, the
position of the fixed stars being referred to the year 1700.
Examples of the 1696 edition of Coronelli's globes may be found in the
Seminario Vescovile of Finale; in the Biblioteca Franzoniana of Genoa;
in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of Nürnberg; in the Biblioteca
Comunale of Perugia; in the Museo Civico of Trieste; a copy of the
terrestrial in the Biblioteca Nazionale of Florence, and one in the
Certosa of Pisa; the unmounted gores of the celestial in the Museo
Astronomico of Rome.
The globes of the year 1696 were reissued in the year 1699, with certain
unimportant alterations. It may be noted that as in certain copies of
the 1693 edition the cartouch designed for a dedicatory inscription was
left blank, that the author might insert the name of the recipient whom
he might choose to honor. So in his globes of the year 1699 he left a
like blank space, but in the terrestrial globe he inscribed what he
evidently felt he should want to insert in each instance--a dedication
in blank, as it were, reading "D. D. D. Pater Magister Vincentius
Coronelli Mon: Con: Francisci Serenissimae Venetorum Reipublicae
Cosmographus MDCLXXXXIX." One example has been located in which the name
of the honored individual has been inserted, reading, in addition to the
author and date as above, "Illustrissimo et Praexcelso Nobili Viro D. D.
Comiti Aloysio Paoluccio Militiae Sanctae Apostolicae Sedis in Piceno
Praefecto," this copy being in the Biblioteca Privato of Sr. Remigio
Salotti of Modena. Copies of each of the 1699 issue may also be found in
the Biblioteca Marucelliana of Florence; in the Biblioteca Vittorio
Emanuele of Rome; in the Biblioteca of the Marquis Piero Bargagli of
Rome; a copy of the terrestrial in the Museo Astronomico of Rome, a copy
of the same in the Biblioteca Nazionale of Florence, and a copy in the
Certosa of Pisa.
In one of his own publications issued in Venice in the year 1697
Coronelli tells us of an edition of his celestial globe which he was
preparing.[101] He announces "To the Public" that the large celestial
globe, three and one half feet in diameter, which he was then having
reëngraved and which would exhibit all of the artistic features of the
Paris edition of 1693, would be one of superior excellence. He adds that
the many corrections and additions, as the parts already completed
clearly indicate, would make it one very exact, and its completion was
promised before the end of the year 1698. This celestial globe was
issued in Venice in the year 1699, edited, according to an inscribed
legend, by Coronelli and the Academy of the Argonauts. We cannot with
certainty locate a copy of this globe. Perhaps it may be found in one of
the undated examples, now known, of the size designated.
The Abbot Gimma, to whom reference has been made, informs us that
Coronelli constructed other globes, the same having diameters
respectively six, four, and two inches, and in the 'Epitome
Cosmografica' of the author, under the paragraph heading, "Opere
stampate dal Padre Coronelli," we read that he constructed celestial and
terrestrial globes three inches in diameter for the pocket. In Volume X
of the 'Atlanta Veneto,' under the title "Globi del Coronelli," the
gores of these globes are reproduced, and from these reprints we are
able to get certain information concerning them. But one pair of his
six-inch globes has been located and none of the smaller size, this one
pair being the unmounted gores, twelve in number for each globe, to be
found in the British Museum. The terrestrial has the following
dedication: "Hos Globos Terraqueum ac Coelestem dicat et donat R. [=m]o P.
D. Sigismundo Pollitio a Placentia Praeposito Generali Monarchorum
Ermitorum S. Hyeronimi Congreg. Lombardiae P. M. Coronelli Cosmographus
P." "These globes, a terrestrial and a celestial P. M. Coronelli gives
and dedicates to the Rev. P. D. Sigismund Pollitus head of the
congregation of Hermit Monks of St. Jerome of Lombardy. At Placentia."
And the celestial has the following, "R. [=m]o P. D. Sigismundo Pollitio
Praep. Generali Mon. Erem. S. Hyeron." "To the Rev. P. D. Sigismund
Pollitus. General of the Hermit Monks of St. Jerome." Three other
inscriptions of the celestial globe read respectively "Auct. P.
Vincentius Coronelli Cosmog. Publ.," "Stellae supput. fuerunt ad annum
1700," and "Venetiis. In Academiae Cosmog. Argon."
Fiorini makes brief mention of a rather remarkable armillary sphere, cut
out of a solid block of alabaster, now belonging to the Museo Civico of
Siena.[102] It is neither signed nor dated, but was probably constructed
toward the close of the seventeenth century.
It has two meridian circles, circles representing the tropics whose
outer circumference is 66 cm., polar circles having a circumference of
21 cm., and circles representing the solstitial colures and the equator,
the latter having an outer circumference of 72 cm. All circles are
graduated, but in the case of the polar circles the numbers of the
degrees are not marked. In addition to the above-mentioned circles,
there is one representing the zodiac which is exceedingly heavy, on
which have been cut the signs of the several constellations and the
names of the months.
This assemblage of armillae is adjusted to revolve within a brass
circle, the whole resting upon a base of alabaster. At the common center
is a small ball mounted on a metallic rod which passes through the poles
of the circles. This small terrestrial sphere has a diameter of 8 cm.,
and around it are two small circles probably intended to represent the
path of the moon and of the planet Mercury.
Word has been received of another armillary sphere of about 1700, though
undated, constructed by Vitale Giordani (1633-1711), a mathematician of
some note in his day. This sphere belongs to the Biblioteca Lancisiana
of Rome, which, as noted above, possesses one by Barocci of the year
1570.[103]
The idea of constructing large manuscript globes, such as were those
of Benci and of Moroncelli, was taken up by Giuseppe Scarabelli of
Mirandola, who appears to have won special distinction in his day as an
engineer.[104] Although the large globes, terrestrial and celestial,
three braccia (ca. 200 cm.) in diameter, which he is known to have made,
assisted by his son Massimo, cannot now be located, we are told that
they were of such size and quality that their equal could not be found
"in Milan, in Venice, or in Rome."
In what has been stated above concerning globe makers of Italy in the
late seventeenth century and the early eighteenth, it has been noted
that a number of those most prominent were members of some one or other
of the many monastic orders. Benci and Moroncelli were of the Silvestrin
Congregation; Coronelli was a Minorite, being honored with an election
to the office of General of the Franciscan Order. It was in the late
seventeenth century that Giovanni Battista da Cassine,[105] a Capuchin
monk, began to achieve distinction as a map and globe maker, in
particular, however, through the maps he drafted of the various
provinces of his order which he described in his 'Descrizione
cosmografica della Provincie e dei Conventi de FF: Min. Cappuccini di S.
Francesco.'[106] He was a native of Cassine in the district of
Alessandria, and entered in early life into the Convent of the
Immaculata Concezzione of Milan. He tells us, in his introduction to his
work noted above, that he constructed two globes for the library of his
convent in Milan, a terrestrial and a celestial, adding, "Quondam
aedificabam, simul et delineabam pro Bibliotheca nostra Immacolatae
Conceptionis duos satis grandes Globos nimirum coelestem unum,
terrestrem alium." "I once designed and constructed for our library of
the Immaculate Conception, two large globes, one a terrestrial, the
other a celestial." We do not know the exact date of the construction of
these globes, but it probably was near 1700.[107] It is further probable
that these globes were examples of Italy's best productions within this
field. They, however, cannot now be located, having disappeared at the
time of the dissolution of the convent in the year 1810.
George Christopher Eimmart (1638-1705), a native of Ravensburg, was one
of Germany's most famous mathematicians of the seventeenth century.[108]
He is reported to have been for some time associated with Erhard Weigel
in the University of Jena, where he won distinction for himself in his
mathematical and law studies. It was about the year 1658, after the
death of his father, that he became especially interested in the art of
copper engraving, and in the year 1660 he established himself in this
business in the city of Nürnberg. The study of mathematics, however,
continued to interest him, and we soon find him giving especial
attention to astronomical science, to the construction of astronomical
instruments, such as quadrants, sextants, telescopes, astronomical
clocks, and celestial spheres. In one of the fortifications of the city
he erected a small observatory, in which he carried on his astronomical
studies, evincing, as the months passed, much interest in giving
practical instruction to many of the young students of the city, among
whom may be named Johannes Philipp Würzelbauer, who later was ennobled
by Emperor Leopold on account of his scientific attainments, and who at
the time of the reception of this honor changed his name to Wurzelbau.
Eimmart counted among his friends, with whom he was in constant
communication, Leibnitz, Cassini, La Hire, Flamsteed, Hevel, and others.
His correspondence with these distinguished men of science, together
with his numerous papers relating to his mathematical and astronomical
studies, are still preserved in manuscript, filling no less than
fifty-seven volumes.[109] In the year 1695 he published a description of
an armillary sphere which he had constructed to represent the Copernican
system, but this cannot now be located.[110] In the year 1705, the year
of his death, he issued a pair of globes, an example of each being now
kept in the Museo Astronomico of Rome. These spheres of papier-mâché,
each having a diameter of about 30 cm., are supplied each with a base
of wood, consisting of four turned columns, which support a horizon
circle of wood, on which are the usual engraved concentric circles
bearing respectively the names of the principal directions or winds, the
names of the zodiacal constellations, with their respective figures, the
names of the principal festivals, and names of the saints. They are made
to revolve within a graduated meridian circle which is adjusted to move
within the horizon circle. The globe balls are covered with engraved
gore maps, each consisting of twelve sections cut at the equatorial line
and in latitude 80 degrees, the polar areas being covered with a
circular disc, having the necessary radius of ten degrees.
On the terrestrial globe we find the following author and date legend:
"Cum geographica Orbis Terrarum descriptio secundum long. et lat. non
nisi vel per peregrinationes marittimas vel observationes coelestes
emendatior in dies prodeat, istud autem per experimenta propria (quo ad
exiguam saltem partem) perfecisse, e' mille, vix uni contigat; Oportuit
nos Recentiorum accuratissimis observationibus insistore et quatenus cum
veritate congruant vel discrepent exactiori tuo judicio relinquest. Nos
eadem loca bona fide, nihil immutantes, prout ab auctoribus novissimis
accepimus usui tuo exhibibemus. Norimbergae apud G. C. Eimmartum A^o
Christi 1705." "Since the geographical description of the earth
according to latitude and longitude, both by maritime voyages and by
celestial observations becomes more accurate day by day, it happens to
scarcely any one man to perfect (a globe) by his own observations for
these can be partial only. Therefore it behooves us to make use of the
most accurate modern observations. In so far as they agree with the
truth or depart from it is left for you with your more exact judgment
to decide. We, for our part, exhibit for your use the places in all good
faith, as we have received them from the latest authorities and have
changed nothing. Nürnberg. By G. C. Eimmart, 1705."
Meridians and parallels are represented at intervals of five degrees,
the ecliptic and the equator being graduated. Compass roses are
numerous, from which radiate numerous loxodromic lines. The several
compass roses are located on the equator, and at latitude 35 degrees and
70 degrees both north and south, where these parallels are crossed by
the prime meridian and the meridians of 90 degrees, of 180 degrees, and
of 270 degrees.
In the southern hemisphere of the celestial globe is the following
inscription: "Loca stellarum coelesti huic Globo insertarum a Jo.
Hevelio astronomo insigni ad ann. 1700 complet. su[=m]o studio ac
diuturnis vigiliis restituta sunt; quae in hujusmodi Typum ad perpetuam
Coeli conformitatem juxta modum quem Problema inferius adjectum
praescribit noviter redacta a G. C. Eimmarto." "The position of the
stars inscribed on this celestial globe were determined by J. Hevelius,
renowned astronomer, and completed to the year 1700 through deep study
and nightly vigils. And these observations on this globe are made
perpetually to conform, according to the method which is described
below, and these have been revised by G. C. Eimmart."
Attention is called to the stars of the various magnitudes up to the
seventh by an appropriate illustration of each placed in a small but
artistically designed wreath. Latin names are given to the several
constellations and to a number of the individual stars, though one finds
an occasional Arabic name. Among the several constellations one notes
certain modern names such as "Scutum Subiescianum."
In addition to the pair referred to above, a copy of the celestial globe
may be found in the Biblioteca Civico of Bergamo.
Joseph Moxon (1627-1700) (Fig. 116) was an English mathematician and
hydrographer of great distinction.[111] His earliest business, dating
from about 1655, was that of a maker and vender of mathematical
instruments, but he later turned his attention toward the designing of
letters and the making of printing types, achieving, for his work in
this field, a very remarkable reputation. It was in his early years,
when especially interested in making mathematical instruments in his
shop in Russell Street, at "The Sign of the Atlas," that his thought was
turned toward geography, astronomy, and navigation; at any rate, he
published in the year 1657 an edition of Edward Wright's 'Certain errors
in navigation detected and corrected.'[112] In 1659 he published in
London the first edition of his important work which he called 'A Tutor
to Astronomy and Geography, or an easie and speedy way to know the Use
of both the Globes, Celestial and Terrestrial.' This work, frequently
reissued during his lifetime, was followed at intervals by a number of
publications chiefly relating to the art of printing.[113] As to the
importance he attached to his own knowledge of globes, he states on the
title-page of his book on their uses that he explains therein "More
fully and amply than hath yet been set forth, either by Gemma Frisius,
Metius, Hues, Wright, Blaeu, or any others that have taught the Use of
the Globes: and that so Plainly and Methodically, that the meanest
Capacity may at first Reading apprehend it, and with a little Practice
grow expert in these Divine Sciences." In his address "To the Reader,"
appearing as an introduction to this same work, he gives us further word
not only concerning his own globes, but an interesting insight into what
a globe maker of that time conceived as essential points to be noted
when directing attention to his own special work. Though somewhat
lengthy, it is here quoted as an interesting early statement. He
observes in his introductory paragraph that he is writing not "to expert
Practitioners but to Learners; to whom Examples may prove more
Instructive than Precepts.
[Illustration: Fig. 116. Portrait of Joseph Moxon.]
"Besides," he states, "I hope to encourage those by an ample liberal
plainness to fall in love with the Studies, that formerly have been
disheartened by the Crabbed brevity of those Authors that have in
Characters as it were rather writ Notes for their own Memories, than
sufficient Documents for their Readers Instructions.
"The Globes for which this Book is written are new Globes that I set
forth, which as I told you in my Epistle to the Reader of Blaws Book
differ somewhat from other Globes; and that both the Celestial and the
Terrestrial; mine being the latest done of any, and to the accomplishing
of which, I have not only had the help of all or most of the best of
other Globes, Maps, Plates, and Sea-drafts of New discoveries that were
then extant for the Terrestrial Globe, but also the Advice and
directions of divers able Mathematicians both in England and Holland for
Tables and Calculations both of Lines and Stars for the Celestial; upon
which globe I have placed every Star that was observed by Tycho Brahe
and other Observers, one degree of Longitude farther in the Ecliptick
than they are on any other Globes: so that whereas on other Globes the
places of the Stars were correspondent with their places in Heaven 69
Years ago, when Tycho observed them, and therefore according to his Rule
want almost a degree of their true places in Heaven at this Time: I have
set every Star one degree farther in the Ecliptick, and rectified them
on the Globe according to the true place they had in Heaven in the Year
1671.
"On the Terrestrial Globe I have inserted all the New Discoveries that
have been made, either by our own Forraign Navigators, and that bothe in
the East, West, North, and South parts of the Earth. In the East Indies
we have in the latter Times many spacious places discovered, many
Islands inserted, and generally the whole Draught of the Country
rectified and amended, even to the Coast of China, Japan, Giloli &c. In
the South Sea between the East and West Indies are scattered many
Islands, which for the uncertain knowledge former Times had of them are
either wholly left out of other Globes, or else laid down so erroneously
that little of credit can be attributed unto them. California is found
to be an Island, though formerly supposed to be part of the main
Continent, whose North-West shoar was imagined to thrust itself forth
close to the Coasts of Cathaio, and so make the supposed Straights of
Anian. The Western Shoars of the West Indies are more accurately
described than formerly, as you may see if you compare my Terrestrial
Globe: that I have lately set forth with the Journals of the latest
Navigators: And if you compare them with other Globes you will find 5,
6, yea 7 degrees difference in Longitude in most Places of these Coasts.
Magellanica which heretofore was thought to be part of the South
Continent called Terra Incognita is now also found to be an Island. All
that Tract of Land called Terra Incognita I have purposely omitted,
because as yet we have no certainty whether it be Land or Sea; unless it
be of some parts lately found out by the Dutch, who having a convenient
Port at Batavia in Java, have from there sent forth Ships Southward,
where they have found several very large countries; one whereof they
have called Hollandia Nova, another Zelandia Nova, another Anthoni van
Diemans Land; and divers others; some whereof lie near our Antipodes; as
you may see by my terrestrial Globes. Again, Far to the Northwards there
are some New Discoveries, even within six degrees of the Pole: The
Drafts to the North Eastwards I have laid down even as they were
described by the Searchers of those parts for a passage into the East
Indies. And also the Discoveries of Baffin, Captain James, and Capt. Fox
(our own Country-men) that attempted the finding a passage that way into
the South Sea.
"I also told you what difference there is in several Authors about
placing the first Meridian, which is the beginning of Longitude; that
Ptolemy placed it at the Fortunate Islands, which Mr. Hues pag. 4. chap.
1. in his Treatise of Globes proves to be the Islands of Cabo Verde, and
not those now called the Canary Islands; because in his Time they were
the farthest place of the Discovered World towards the setting of the
Sun; Others placed it at Pico in Teneriffa; Others at Corvus and Flora;
because under that Meridian the Compass had no Variation, but did then
duly respect the North and South; Others for the same Reason begin their
Longitude at St. Michaels; and Others between the Islands of Flores and
Fayal: And the Spaniards of late by reason of their great Negotiation in
the West Indies, have begun their Longitude at Toledo there, and
contrary to all others account it Westwards.
"Therefore I, seeing such diversity among all Nations, and as yet an
Uniformity at home, chose with our own Country-men to place my First
Meridian at the Ile Gratiosa, one of the Iles of Azores.
"By the different placing of this first Meridian it comes to pass that
the Longitude of Places are diversely set down in different Tables; For
those Globes or Maps that have their first Meridian placed to the
Eastwards of Gratiosa, have all places counted Eastwards from the
Meridian of Gratiosa, and their first Meridian in a greater number of
degrees of Longitude, and that according as the Arch of Difference is."
At the conclusion of this work we find printed a catalogue of his books,
maps, and instruments, including globes celestial and terrestrial of all
sizes, and, what is of considerable interest and value, the price of
each given.[114]
We know that the Chinese, very many centuries ago, manifested a
considerable interest in astronomy; nor was there wanting with them an
interest in geography. It was, however, especially in the former science
they may be said to have made contributions of real value. An unreliable
record, telling us of the interest exhibited by the Emperor Shun,
reigning more than two thousand years before the beginning of the
Christian era, notes that he made use of an armillary sphere in his
study of the stars. Little is there to assure us that prior to the time
of Kúblai Kaan (1216-1294) there were those who turned their attention
to the construction of globes. That great Mongol Emperor's astronomer
Ko-Shun-King, having demonstrated the superiority of his astronomical
wisdom, was directed to institute reforms in Chinese chronology and to
construct for purposes of scientific investigations such instruments as
he thought to be necessary. Accordingly he removed from the old
observatory "an armillary sphere dating from 1049," substituting in its
place a number of large and small instruments, two of which have
survived to our day--an armillary sphere and a celestial globe, which
may be said to date from about the year 1274. These instruments of the
astronomer Ko-Shun-King had place in an observatory which he had erected
on the site of an ancient structure at the southeast corner of the
Tartar city wall, being raised above the parapet. There they remained
until the year 1673 when the Jesuit astronomer Father Ferdinand Verbiest
judged them to be useless and persuaded the Emperor to pull them down
and put up new ones of his own contriving.[115] The old instruments were
stored away at the foot of the terrace, and of these, as before noted,
but two now remain.
Le Comte refers to the celestial globe as one well cast, and having a
diameter of about three feet, the degrees and minutes being marked both
"longitudinally and latitudinally." An early description tells us that
its equator is in the center, equidistant from the two poles, in each
case a quarter of a circumference. The ecliptic is elevated above and
depressed below the equator, in each case barely twenty-four degrees.
The elevations and depressions of the moon in its orbit being variable,
a bamboo hoop, divided into degrees equally throughout, is used to
verify the intersections with the ecliptic and accordingly is moved from
time to time. The globe rests on a square box, the north and south poles
being respectively above and below the surface fully forty degrees, half
of the globe being visible and half concealed. Toothed wheels, set in
motion by machinery concealed within the box, are so adjusted as to
cause the globe to revolve.
The armillary sphere (Fig. 117) stands at the east end of the court. It
is an instrument of huge dimensions being described in early records
somewhat as follows, in each reference there being allusion to its
beautiful workmanship, and to its design as possessing remarkable
excellence. The supporting base of the piece has a mythological
significance. The four dragons, which play such a part in the Chinese
geomancy, are here represented as chained to the earth, while upholding
the spheres. Its substantial horizon circle, crossed at right angles by
a double ring representing an azimuth circle, forms the outer supporting
framework. The upper surface of the horizon circle is divided into
twelve equal parts, marked by the several Chinese cyclical characters
applied to the twelve hours into which the day and night was divided.
Around the outside of this horizon circle these twelve characters appear
again, with the Chinese names for the several points of the compass. On
the inside of this circle one finds the names of the twelve States into
which the ancient Empire was divided, each State being thought of as
under the influence of a particular quarter of the heavens.
[Illustration: Fig. 117. Ancient Mongolian Armillary Sphere, ca. 1274.]
Inside this frame is placed an equatorial circle within which is a
series of movable circles made to turn on polar pivots attached to the
azimuth circle. These movable circles consist of an equatorial circle, a
double ring ecliptic, an equinoctial colure, and a double ring
solstitial colure. The equator is divided into twenty-eight unequal
portions marked by the names of as many constellations of very ancient
origin. The ecliptic is divided into twenty-four equal parts according
with the divisions of the year. Within the circles just described there
is a double revolving meridian with a double axis and within this a
fixed tube for taking sights.
All the circles of this armillary sphere are divided into 365-1/4
degrees corresponding to the days of the year and each degree is divided
into hundreds. At the corners of the base outside the dragons are four
miniature rocks in bronze, with the respective inscriptions "Keen
Shan," northwest or celestial mountain; "Kwan Shan," southwest or
terrestrial mountain; "Seuen-Shan," or southeast mountain; "Kan Shan,"
northeast mountain.
When the astronomer Père Ferdinand Verbiest (1623-1688),[116] undertook
the survey and management of mathematics for the Emperor he, like his
predecessor Ko-Shun-King four hundred years before, began his task, as
noted above, by ordering the removal of the old instruments from the
observatory and the construction of new ones. Six of these are referred
to in the records of the period as possessing especial merit, including
a zodiacal armillary sphere six feet in diameter, an equinoctial
armillary sphere six feet in diameter, a horizon azimuth likewise six
feet in diameter, a quadrant having a radius of six feet, a sextant with
a radius of eight feet, and a celestial globe having a diameter of six
feet.
The armillary spheres have each but four circles, being of excellent
workmanship, and having mountings of elaborate Chinese designs.
That which especially interests us here is the celestial globe (Fig.
117a) which Le Compte describes somewhat in detail. "This in my
Opinion," he says, "is the fairest and best fashioned of all the
Instruments. The Globe itself is brazen, exactly round and smooth; the
Stars well made, and in their true places, and all Circles of
proportional breadth and thickness. It is besides so well hung, that the
least touch moves it, and tho' it is above two thousand weight, the
least Child may elevate it to any Degree. On its large concave Bases are
placed opposite four Dragons, whose Hair standing up on end, support a
noble Horizon commendable for its breadth, its several Ornaments, and
the delicacy and niceness of the Work. The Meridian in which the Pole is
fixed rests upon Clouds that issue out of the Bases, and slides easily
between them, its Motion being facilitated by some hidden Wheels, and
moves with it the whole Globe to give it the required Elevation.
Besides which, the Horizon, Dragons and two brazen Beams, which lie
cross in the Center of the Bases Concavity, are all moved at pleasure
without stirring the Bases which still remain fixed; this facilitates
the due placing of the Horizon, whether in respect of the Natural
Horizon, or in respect of the Globe. I wonder how Men who live six
thousand Leagues from us could go through such a piece of Work; and I
must own, that if all the Circles which are divided, had been corrected
by some of our Workmen, nothing could be more perfect in this kind."
This piece, it may be noted, was carried away to Potsdam at the close of
the Boxer Rebellion, copies of them being left in the old observatory.
The Treaty of Versailles directed that the originals should be returned
to their early home.
[Illustration: Fig. 117a. Armillary Sphere and Celestial Globe of
Ferdinand Verbiest, 1673.]
NOTES
[61] See I, 8.
[62] Coronelli, V. Epitome Cosmografica. Colonia, 1693. pp. 330-331.
[63] Allgemeine deutsche Biographie, "Olearius"; Varenius, B.
Geographia generalis. Cambridge, 1672. Bk. III, chap. xxxii; Moller,
G. I. Cimbria literata. Hanniae, 1744. Vol. I, p. 195:
Moller says: "Nec silentio sunt involvenda duo admiranda orbis
authomata astronomico-cosmographica, juxta delineationem ipsius
ingeniosissimam A. 1654 et seqq. ab And. Boschio Mechanico Dedalaeo
et in Mathesi versatissimo, dirigente laborem Ad. Oleario, Principis
hujus sui etiam mathematici, fabrefacta, quibus similis Europam, imo
orbem majorem universum, non vidisse, praeter Olearium Heun.
Heuningi et D. G. Morphosius sunt persuasi...." Weidler, J. F.
Historia astronomiae. Wittenberg, 1741, p. 541.
Weidler says: "Globum a. 1654 Fredericus dux Holsatiae, dirigente
opus Adamo Oleario, e cupro fabrefieri et in arce Gortorpiensi
curaverat. Diameter ejus 10-1/2 pedes capiebat, totusque globus
rotis, flumine circumjactis movebatur."
[64] Günther-Fiorini. Erd- und Himmelsgloben, p. 83; Royal
Geographical Journal. London, 1901. p. 219.
[65] Bartholomaei, F. Erhard Weigel; ein Beitrag zur Geschichte der
mathematischen Wissenschaften auf den deutschen Universitäten im
XVI Jahrhundert. (In: Zeitschrift für Mathematik und Physik.
Leipzig, 1868. Sup. Heft. pt. 1.); Allgemeine deutsche Biographia,
"Weigel, Erhard."
[Illustration: Fig. 117a. Armillary Sphere and Celestial
Globe of Ferdinand Verbiest, 1673.]
[66] Schimpfer was a native of Nürnberg and active in his profession
about the middle of the seventeenth century.
[67] Bartholomaei, op. cit.
[68] Bartholomaei, referring to the popularity of Weigel as a
lecturer, states that some of his lectures were given in the open
because there was no available room sufficiently large to
accommodate his hearers.
[69] Weigel, E. Sphaerica Euclidea methodo conscripta; accessit
globorum heraldicorum ipsiusque pancosmi descriptio et usus. Jenae,
1688; Wolf, Geschichte der Astronomie, pp. 420-427. In a very early
day the Venerable Bede had suggested a change from the heathen names
of the several constellations to Christian names. See in this
connection Schiller, J. Coelum stellatum christianum. Augsburg,
1627.
Schiller was a pupil of the famous astronomer, Johannes Bayer, from
whom he probably received his impulse to inaugurate a reform in the
matter of naming the constellations. Schiller felt much annoyed that
heathen names for stars and star groups should be retained by
Christian peoples, and it was probably with Bayer that he worked out
his scheme for a new nomenclature. To the twelve signs of the
zodiac, for example, he gave the names of the twelve apostles. For
the constellation Perseus he proposed the Apostle Paul, for the
Great Bear the Ship of Peter, for Hercules the Three Kings, for
Cassiopeia the name Maria Magdalena, for Auriga Saint Jerome; he
further proposed to change the name Ophiuchus to Pope Benedict,
Pegasus to the Angel Gabriel, Orion to Joseph, Canis Major to King
David, the Ship Argo to the Ark of Noe, the Centaur to Abraham, the
Peacock to Eve.
It was proposed to change the name Sun to Christ, the Moon to Maria,
Saturn to Adam, Jupiter to Moses, Mars to Joshua, Venus to John the
Baptist, and Mercury to Elias.
The suggestions of Schiller, of Bayer, and of their contemporaries,
or near contemporaries, Schickard, Bartsch, and Harsdörfer, with the
added support of Weigel, seem to have found little favor among
astronomers.
[70] Weigel, E. Universi corporis pansophici prodromus. Jena, 1672;
same author. Beschreibung der verbesserten Himmels- und Erdgloben.
Jena, 1681.
[71] Coronelli, op. cit., pp. 331-332; Wolf, op. cit., pp. 426-427,
n. 16; Günther-Fiorini, op. cit., p. 85, n.
[72] Fiorini, op. cit., pp. 308-310.
[73] Quoted by Fiorini, op. cit., pp. 306-307.
[74] Practically the only information we have concerning Moroncelli,
aside from that which may be gained from his globes, is contained in
a manuscript preserved in the Biolioteca Municipale of Fabriano,
titled, "Vite dei Monaci Illustri di S. Benedetto in Fabriano," by
the Monk Feliziani, who died in the year 1683. Extracts from this
have courteously been sent the author in reply to letters of
inquiry. See also Fiorini, op. cit., p. 310.
[75] Letter from the director, Dr. G. Coggiola, dated January 4,
1914.
[76] See II, 34.
[77] Fiorini, op. cit., p. 323.
[78] Christina, daughter of Gustavus Adolphus; succeeded her father
as ruler of Sweden. In the year 1654 she abdicated the throne,
became a devout Catholic and passed a considerable part of her
remaining years in Rome, residing at first in the Palazzo Farnese,
and later in the Palazzo Riario, bringing together in the latter
place of residence a large collection of books and objects of art.
Much of her collection later passed to the Vatican.
[79] Fiorini, op. cit., p. 323.
[80] See note 9, above.
[81] Coronelli, op. cit., pp. 325-330; Dictionary of National
Biography, "Palmer, Roger" (Count of Castlemaine), to which is
appended a somewhat lengthy list of bibliographical references.
[82] Moxon, J. The English globe, being a stabil and immobil one,
performing what the ordinary globes do, and much more. Invented and
described by the Right honorable, the Earl of Castlemaine. The
second edition corrected by J. Moxon. London, 1696.
[83] Coronelli, op. cit., p. 333.
[84] It has been impossible to locate a copy of this work or to get
further information concerning Treffler.
[85] Fiorini, op. cit., p. 376.
[86] Fiorini, op. cit., p. 377.
[87] Briefly described in a letter received by the author from the
Biblioteca Estense of Modena.
[88] Fiorini, M. Vincenzo Coronelli ed i suoi globi cosmografici.
(In: Annuario Astro-Meteorologico. Roma, 1893.); Rigobon. Biografia
e studi del P. Vincenzo Coronelli. (In: Archivo Veneto, Vol. III,
pt. i, p. 267.); Ginanni, P. P. Memorie storico critiche degli
scrittori Ravennati. Faenza, 1769. Vol. I, p. 162; Pasolini, S.
Huomini illustri di Ravenna antica ed altri degni professori di
lettere ed armi. Bologna, 1703. p. 63.
[89] Among his more important works the following may here be cited:
Atlante Veneto, nel quale si contiene la descrittione ... degl'
Imperij. Regni, Provincie, e Stati dell' Universo. Venetia,
1691-1696. 3 Vols. in 4 pts.; Biblioteca universale sacro-profano,
antico-moderna. Venezia, 1701-1706. Vols. I-VIII, but not completed
beyond "Caque"; Epitome Cosmografica, o compendiosa introduttione
all' Astronomia, Geographia, et Idrografia. Colonia, 1693; Viaggi
del P. C. Venetia, 1697: The Royal Almanack: containing a succinct
account of the remarkable actions of K. William III: with the year
and the day of the month when each happened. Tr. from Italian into
English. London, 1696. See also Giannini, G. Titoli della opere ...
stampate dal anno 1704, dal P. M. C. ... publicate dall' Accademia
degli Argonauti in aggiunta dell' indice già dato in luce. Venetia,
1708.
[90] Not until the following century does it appear that such
societies were organized north of the Alps.
[91] See list given by Coronelli, Epitome, in introductory pages
under heading "Catalogo ..."
[92] See Coronelli. Epitome.
[93] This privilege is quoted by Coronelli, Epitome, in introductory
pages.
[94] Coronelli. Epitome, pp. 334-342.
[95] La Hire, P. de. Description et explication des Globes qui sont
placés dans les pavillons du Château de Marly par ordre de Sa
Majesté. Paris, 1704.
[96] Born September 16, 1638.
[97] Ludolf, H. Jobi Ludolfi ... ad suam historiam Aetiopicam ante
hac editam commentarius. Francforti ad Moenum, 1691. p. 22.
[98] Marcel, G. Les Portugais dans l'Africe Australe. (In: Revue de
Géographie. Paris, 1890.)
[99] This château was erected in the year 1693.
[100] Cited by Fiorini, op. cit., p. 338.
[101] Viaggi, del P. C. p. 28. He gives us in this work a statement
of prices for his globes as follows:
"Globes of various sizes.
Celestial and terrestrial three and one half feet in diameter, with
the addition of many stars and of newly discovered lands, painted
and varnished, without supports, 100 ducats L.260:
The same with their supports and with meridian of brass 1240:
The same one foot and a half in diameter with their pedestals and
with brass meridians 155:
The same six and a half inches in diameter with feet and with
meridians L.31:
The same four and a half inches in diameter with their feet and with
meridians 24:16
The same two and a half inches in diameter with their feet and with
meridians 18:12"
[102] Fiorini, op. cit., p. 378.
[103] Fiorini, op. cit., p. 379.
[104] Fiorini, op. cit., p. 370.
[105] Porena, F. Un cartografo italiano del principio del secolo
XVIII. (In: Memorie della Società geog. ital. Roma, 1895. Vol. V,
pt. 1, p. 45.)
[106] Published in Mediolani, 1712.
[107] Bernardo, F. da Bologna. Biblioteca Scriptorum Ordinis Minorum
S. Francisci Capucinorum. Venetiis, 1747.
[108] Doppelmayr, op. cit., p. 127.
[109] Laland states that these fifty-seven came into the possession
of the Jesuit College of Polotzk in Russia.
[110] Eimmarto, G. C. Sphaerae armillaris a Georgio Christophoro
Eimmarto ex aurichalco constitutae, interius systema planetarum ex
mente Copernici repraesentatis, brevis elucidatio, Ed. Jo. Christ.
Sturmio-Altdorfii, 1695.
[111] Dictionary of National Biography, Vol. XXXIX, p. 242.
[112] This work was first published in London in the year 1599.
[113] As a result of Moxon's interest in this field we have from him
one of the most satisfactory of the early manuals of typography,
bearing the title 'Mechanick Exercises or the Doctrine of
Handy-Works applied to the Art of Printing,' London, 1683. This work
was reprinted, "line-for-line and page-for-page" of the original,
with preface and notes by Theodore L. Devinne. New York, 1896. 2
Vols.
[114] It is from the last-mentioned work that the following
citations are made:
"Books. Moxon, J. A Tutor to Astronomy and Geography, or the Use of
both the Globes, Celestial and Terrestrial; by Joseph Moxon, A
Member of the Royal Society, and Hydrographer to the Kings most
Excellent Majesty. Price 5s.
The Use of the Copernican Spheres, teaching to solve the Phaenomena
by them, as easily as by the Ptolomaick Spheres; by Joseph Moxon,
&c. Price 4s.
The Use of Astronomical Playing Cards, teaching an ordinary capacity
by them to be acquainted with all the Stars of Heaven; to know their
places, Colours, Natures and Bignesses. Also the Poetical Reasons
for every Constellation. Very useful, pleasant and delightful for
all lovers of Ingeniety. By Joseph Moxon, &c. Price 6d.
The Astronomical Cards. By Joseph Moxon, &c. Price plain 1s.
Coloured 1s. 6d. best coloured, and the Stars Gilt, 5s.
Geographical Playing Cards, wherein is exactly described all the
Kingdoms of the Earth, curiously engraved. Price Plain 1s. Coloured
2s. best Coloured and Gilt 5s. the Pack.
The English Globe, invented by the Right Honourable, the Earl of
Castlemaine (and of which this Book shews the use) containing about
a Foot in Diameter, are made by Joseph Moxon. Price ordinary made up
40s. and with the projection described in Section 6. of this Book.
Price 50s.
To the above is added the following interesting information:
A Catalogue of GLOBES, Celestial and Terrestrial, Spheres, Maps,
Sea-Plates, Mathematical Instruments, and Books, with their prizes,
made and sold by Joseph Moxon, on Ludgate-Hill, at the Sign of
Atlas.
GLOBES 26 Inches Diameter. The price 20l. the Pair.
GLOBES near 15 Inches Diameter. The Price 4l.
GLOBES 8 Inches Diameter. The price 2l.
GLOBES 6 Inches Diameter. The price 1l. 10s.
CONCAVE HEMISPHERES of the Starry Orb, which serves for a Case to a
Terrestrial Globe of 3 Inches Diameter, made portable for the
pocket. Price 15s.
SPHERES, according to the Copernican Hypothesis, both General and
Particular, 20 Inches Diameter. Price of the General 5l. of the
Particular 6l. of both together 10l.
SPHERES, according to the Ptolomaick System, 14 Inches Diameter.
Price 3l.
SPHERES, according to the Ptolomaick System, 8 Inches Diameter.
Price 1l. 10s."
[115] The following works may be cited for further reference to
these early Chinese globes of Peking: Wylie, A. Mongol astronomical
instruments in Peking. (In: Chinese Researches, Shantung, 1897, Part
III, pp. 1-20.); Le Comte, L. D. Memories and Observations. London,
1699; Du Halde, J. B. Description géographique de l'empire de la
China. Paris, 1735; Yule, H. Travels of Marco Polo. London, 1893.
Vol. I, pp. 448-456, with four illustrations.
[116] Carton, Abbé C. Biographique sur le Père Ferdinand Verbiest.
Bruges, 1839; Thompson, J. Illustrations of China and its people.
London, 1874. Vol. iv.