Mundus subterraneus, in XII libros digestus translation of title: Subterranean world, arranged into 12 books . 2 volumes complete set

Mundus subterraneus, in XII libros digestus (translation of title: "Subterranean world, arranged into 12 books"). 2 volumes (complete set)

KIRCHER Athanasius

Item #M5236

Extremely rare complete set of 2 volumes. Full title: "qvo divinum subterrestris mundi opificium, mira ergasteriorum naturae in eo distributio, verbo [pantamorphon] Protei regnum, universae denique naturae majestas & divitiae summa rerum varietate exponuntur, abditorum effectuum causae acri indagine inquistae demonstrantur, cognitae per artis & naturae conjugium ad humanae vitae necessarium usum vario experimentorum apparata, necnon novo modo & ratione applicantur. Ad Alexandrum VII. pont. opt. max." Published by Johannes Janssonius van Waesberge, Amsterdam, 1678. Third and most complete edition (first published in 1665). Folio (372 x 243 mm), pages 20, 366, 6 + 10, 507, 9. There are 2 engraved title pages, with copper vignette on title pages, 26 plates and maps many folded or on double page, including 5 tables. Occasional browning and foxing mostly in the middle and end of volume I, slight defects. In a splendid contemporary full red morocco armorial binding, gilt coat of arms on covers, gilt titles and ornaments at the spine, marbled edges. Beautiful and rare edition of Kircher's most significant work. Inspired by a journey that the author has done in Sicily where he saw the eruptions of Etna and Stromboli, the work has a great geological, geographical and hermetic significance. The second part is devoted to the alchemy and the underground life of the earth. The work is adorned by beautiful engravings that describe the eruptions of the volcanoes, the internal structure of earth and various geographical maps of the world including America. Caillet, II, 5783: "Le plus curieux des nombreux ouvrages de ce savant". It also contains the first physical globe (Shirley 322). De Backer-Sommervogel IV, 1046-1077, 21; Dorbon, 2387; Ferguson I, 467; Merrill 17. Language: Latin. Relevant subjects: Rome.

Language: Latin.

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