1682 Systema Ideale quo Exprimitur, Aquarum...
DESCRIPTION
Systema Ideale quo Exprimitur, Aquarum per Canales hydragogos Subterraneos ex mari et in montium hydrophylacia protrusio, aquarumque subterrestrium per pyragogos canales concoctus
By: Athanasius Kircher
Date: 1682 (published) Amsterdam
Dimensions: 12.9 x 15.9 inches (32.8 x 40.4 cm)
This is the earliest known map of the world (printed as part of a series of maps) to illustrate a cross section of the world. In this map, Athanasius Kircher illustrates geo-thermal heating and his theory of subterranean waterways which connect the Earth's ocean currents.
This fascinating map was published in Mundus subterraneus (The Underground World) which sought to illustrate and describe the inner workings of the planet. This map presents the Earth as a cross sectional view distinguishing land from water while leaving out any specific place names. Whirlpools, cave lakes, and aquafers all appear to be connected to one another within their quadrant of the planet. A mountain with magma illustrated just beneath its surface erupts as a volcano. Surrounding the earth is a mass of clouds blown by the allegorical wind-heads commonly found in 16th and 17th century maps.
Athanasius Kircher (1601 - 1680) was a prominent German Jesuit scholar of the 17th century. He was fluent in many languages as well as a mathematician, geographer, scientist, and astronomer. Kircher was in Calabria during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and experienced the earthquakes which resulted from the eruption. This directed his interest and efforts to the study of the natural world that would one day lead him to produce this map as well as several others from the same series.
While Kircher was incorrect in his theory of subterranean waterways being the source of ocean currents, he was mostly correct in the patterns of such currents. He was also correct in theorizing a superheated core at the center of the Earth and that earthquakes were caused by movement of the Earth's plates, otherwise known as the study of plate tectonics. A true renaissance man, Kircher's maps of the inner-workings of the planet are one of a kind, well ahead of their time, and instantly recognizable among collectors.
Condition: This map is in A condition with later coloring and a light impression in the lower portion.
Inventory #11910
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622
CONDITION
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622