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Title: Terrestrial and Celestial Globes Volume 2

Author: Edward Luther Stevenson

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TERRESTRIAL AND CELESTIAL
GLOBES
THEIR HISTORY AND CONSTRUCTION
INCLUDING A CONSIDERATION OF THEIR
VALUE AS AIDS IN THE STUDY OF
GEOGRAPHY AND ASTRONOMY

BY
Edward Luther Stevenson, Ph.D., LL.D.
MEMBER OF
THE HISPANIC SOCIETY OF AMERICA

VOLUME II

NEW HAVEN: PUBLISHED FOR
THE HISPANIC SOCIETY OF AMERICA BY THE
YALE UNIVERSITY PRESS
LONDON·HUMPHREY MILFORD·OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
MDCCCCXXI

COPYRIGHT, 1921, BY
THE HISPANIC SOCIETY OF AMERICA

Rembrandt’s Philosophers.

Table of Contents

PAGE

List of Illustrations vii

Chapter X: Globes and Globe Makers of the Early Seventeenth
Century. The Dutch Scientific Masters and Their Preëminent
Leadership. 1
The shifting of globe making interest to the northwest of Europe at the close of the
sixteenth century.—The Van Langrens as leaders.—Jodocus Hondius and his son
Henricus.—Willem Jansz. Blaeu and his sons, John and Cornelius.—The Ferreri
armillary sphere.—Globes of Peter Plancius.—Isaac Habrecht.—Globes of
Mattheus Greuter and their reproduction by Rossi.—Manfredus Settàla.—Abraham
Goos.—Adam Heroldt.

Chapter XI: Globes of the Second Half of the Seventeenth Century 72
Certain striking tendencies exhibited in the matter of globe making in this period.—
The Gottorp globes.—Weigel’s globes.—Carlo Benci.—Amantius Moroncelli.—
Castlemaine’s immovable globe.—The armillary of Treffler.—Armillary sphere of
Gian Battista Alberti.—The numerous globes of P. Vincenzo Coronelli.—Certain
anonymous globes of the period.—Johannes Maccarius.—Jos. Antonius Volpes.—
Vitale Giordani.—George Christopher Eimmart.—Giuseppe Scarabelli.—Giovanni
Battista.—Joseph Moxon.—The Chinese globes of Peking.

Chapter XII: Globes and Globe Makers of the First Half of the
Eighteenth Century—from Delisle to Ferguson 137
Activities of Guillaume Delisle.—Jean Dominique Cassini and his reforms.—
Vincenzo Miot.—The globes of Gerhard and Leonhard Valk.—Activities of John
Senex.—Nicolas Bion.—The armillary sphere of Carmelo Cartilia.—Mattheus
Seutter of Augsburg.—Robert Morden.—Jean Antoine Nollet.—Johann Gabriel
Doppelmayr of Nürnberg.—Terrestrial globe of Cusani.—Terrestrial globes of
Siena.—The work of the monk Pietro Maria da Vinchio.—James Ferguson of
Scotland.

Chapter XIII: Globes and Globe Makers of the Second Half of the
Eighteenth Century 175
Few globe makers of striking distinction in this period.—An apparent decrease in
scientific interest in globes, but an apparent increase in popular interest.—Gilles and
Didier Robert de Vaugondy.—The work of Desnos.—Globes of Gian Francesco
Costa the Venetian.—Globes of Akerman and Akrel.—The French globe makers
Rigobert Bonne and Lalande.—Charles Messier and Jean Fortin.—Globes of
George Adams the Elder, of George Adams the Younger, and of Dudley Adams.—
Small globes of Nathaniel Hill.—The work of Innocente Alessandri and Pietro
Scaltaglia.—Charles Francis Delamarche.—Manuscript globes of Vincenzo Rosa.—
Geographer and globe maker Giovanni Maria Cassini.—Globes of William Cary.

Chapter XIV: The Technic of Globe Construction—Materials and
Methods 196

General problems to be met.—Development from the simple armilla to the complex
sphere.—The references of Ptolemy, Leontius Mechanicus, Alfonso.—Behaim’s
leadership in practical globe making.—Materials employed.—Experiments in map
projection.—The beginning and rapid development of globe-gore construction.—
Various examples of early gore maps.—Equatorial polar and ecliptic polar
mountings.—Special features of celestial globe maps.—Globe mountings.—
Varying sizes of globes.—The uses of globes.—Moon globes and planetariums

Bibliographical List 220

Index of Globes and Globe Makers 249

General Index 276

List of Illustrations

Frontispiece. Rembrandt’s Philosophers 2

FIG. CHAPTER X PAGE

88. Terrestrial Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1600. From original in Library of Henry E.
Huntington, New York 4
89. Celestial Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1600. From original in Library of Henry E.
Huntington, New York 8
90. Dedication Appearing on Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1600 6
91. Terrestrial Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1618. From original in collection of The
Hispanic Society of America, New York 14
92. Portrait of Willem Jansz. Blaeu. From engraving by Falck 18
93. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1606. From original in collection of The
Hispanic Society of America, New York 30
94. Terrestrial and Celestial Globes of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1616. From originals in
collection of The Hispanic Society of America, New York 32
95. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622. From original in collection of The
Hispanic Society of America, New York 34
96. Section of Jodocus Hondius World Map, 1611. From Stevenson’s reproduction 40
97. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622. From original in Chigi Library,
Rome 44
98. Celestial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622. From original in Liceum Foscarini,
Venice 44

98a. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, ca. 1640. From original in Royal
Library, Madrid 66
98b. Celestial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, ca. 1640. From original in Royal Library,
Madrid 66
99. Portrait of Peter Plancius. From an old print 46
100. Terrestrial Globe of Peter Plancius, 1614. From original in Astronomical Museum,
Rome 48
101. Terrestrial Globe of Isaac Habrecht, 1625. From original in the collection of The
Hispanic Society of America, New York 50
102. Terrestrial Globe of Mattheus Greuter, 1632. From original in the collection of
The Hispanic Society of America, New York 54
103. Terrestrial Globe of Mattheus Greuter, 1638. From original in the collection of
The Hispanic Society of America, New York 62
103a. Terrestrial Globe of Dominico Rossi (Mattheus Greuter), 1695. From original in
the collection of The Hispanic Society of America, New York 64
103b. Celestial Globe of Dominico Rossi (Mattheus Greuter), 1695. From original in the
collection of The Hispanic Society of America, New York 64

CHAPTER XI
104. The Gottorp Armillary Sphere, 1657. From original in the National Museum,
Copenhagen 74
105. Terrestrial Globe of Silvester Amantius Moroncelli, 1672. From original in
Marciana Library, Venice 84
106. Manuscript Celestial Globe (Moroncelli?), Late Seventeenth Century. From
original in Library of William R. Hearst, New York 92
107. Portrait of Earl of Castlemaine. From an old print 94
108. Globe of Earl of Castlemaine, 1679. From Coronelli’s Epitome Cosmografica 94
109. Globe of Christopher Treffler, 1683. From Coronelli’s Epitome Cosmografica 95
110. Portrait of P. Vincenzo Coronelli. From his Atlante Veneto 98
111. Emblem of the Venetian Accademia Cosmografica degli Argonauti. From
Coronelli’s Atlante Veneto 100
112. Terrestrial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli, 1688. From original in Marciana
Library, Venice 110
113. Celestial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli, 1688. From original in Marciana
Library, Venice 112
114. Terrestrial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli, 1688. From original in Landesmuseum,
Zürich 114
115. Terrestrial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli, 1696. From original in collection of
The Hispanic Society of America, New York 116
115a. Terrestrial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli, 1693. From original in Academy of
Sciences, Turin 118
115b. Celestial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli, 1693. From original in Academy of
Sciences, Turin 120
116. Portrait of Joseph Moxon. From his Mechanick Exercises 124

117. Ancient Mongolian Armillary Sphere, ca. 1274. From Thompson’s Illustrations of
China 130
117a. Armillary Sphere and Celestial Globe of Ferdinand Verbiest, 1673. From
Thompson’s Illustrations of China 132

CHAPTER XII
118. Terrestrial Globe of Guillaume Delisle, 1700. From original in Royal Library,
Madrid 140
118a. Terrestrial Globe of Johann Ludovicus Andreae, 1717. From original in City
Historical Museum, Frankfurt 138
119. Portrait of Jean Dominique Cassini. From an old print 142
120. Terrestrial Globe of Gerhard and Leonhard Valk, 1750 (?). From original in
collection of The Hispanic Society of America, New York 144
120a. Southern Hemisphere Celestial Globe by Gerhard and Leonhard Valk, with Author
and Date Legend, 1750 (?). From original in collection of The Hispanic
Society of America, New York 146
121. Terrestrial Globe of Gerhard and Leonhard Valk, 1750 (?). From original in
collection of The Hispanic Society of America, New York 148
121a. Celestial Globe of Gerhard and Leonhard Valk, 1750 (?). From original in
collection of The Hispanic Society of America, New York 150
122. Terrestrial Globe of John Senex, 1793. From original in Royal Library, Madrid 152
123. Portrait of Nicolas Bion. From an old print 142
124. Terrestrial Globe of Mattheus Seutter, 1710. From original in Astronomical
Museum, Rome 154
125. Celestial Globe of Mattheus Seutter, 1710. From original in Astronomical
Museum, Rome 156
125a. Terrestrial Globe of Van Lauen Zonen, 1745. From original in City Historical
Museum, Frankfurt 158
126. Terrestrial Globe of Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr, 1728. From original in
collection of The Hispanic Society of America, New York 160
126a. Celestial Globe of Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr, 1728. From the original in
collection of The Hispanic Society of America, New York 162
126b. Celestial Globe of Johann Puschner, 1730. From original in Math. Phys. Salon,
Dresden 164
127. Portrait of James Ferguson. From an old print 168
127a. Pocket Globe of James Ferguson, 1750 (?). From original in collection of The
Hispanic Society of America, New York 170
127b. Terrestrial Globe of Herman Moll, 1705. From original in collection of The
Hispanic Society of America, New York 170

CHAPTER XIII
128. Terrestrial Globe of Pietro Rosini, 1762. From original in the University Library,
Bologna 180

129. Armillary Sphere of Jean Fortin, 1780. From original in collection of The
Hispanic Society of America, New York 184
129a. Globe of L. C. Desnos, 1782. From original, Piacenza 178
130. Terrestrial Globe of George Adams, 1782. From original in Astronomical
Museum, Rome 186
130a. Terrestrial Globe of Nathaniel Hill, 1754. From original in New York Public
Library 188
131. Terrestrial Globe of Giovanni Maria Cassini, 1790. From original in Astronomical
Museum, Rome 192
132. Anonymous Terrestrial Globe, ca. 1800. From original in collection of The
Hispanic Society of America, New York 194

CHAPTER XIV
133. Astrolabe. From Joseph Moxon, A Tutor to Astronomy and Geography, 1695 197
134. Globe Gores of Henricus Glareanus, 1527. From his Geographia liber unus 203
135. Gore Map of Leonardo da Vinci, ca. 1515 206
136. Anonymous Globe Gores in Plane Map Construction, ca. 1550. From original
manuscript in John Carter Brown Library, Providence 206
137. Portrait of Johann Hevelius (Hevel). From his Prodromus 208
138. Constellation Ursa Major. From Apianus Cosmographicus liber, 1529 210
139. Constellation of Orion by Hevelius. From his Prodromus 212
140. Terrestrial Globe Gores by Johannes Oterschaden, ca. 1675. From original in
collection of The Hispanic Society of America 214
141. Celestial Globe Gores by Johannes Oterschaden, ca. 1675. From original in
collection of The Hispanic Society of America 216
142. Engraved Sections for Globe Horizon Circle by Johannes Oterschaden, ca. 1675.
From original in collection of The Hispanic Society of America 216
143. The Orrery. From an engraving by William Pether after engraving by Joseph
Wright 218

CHAP. TAILPIECES PAGE

X. Armillary Sphere. From Blagrave, Mathematical Jewel, 1585 71
XII. Ship. From Jodocus Hondius’ World map, 1611 174
XIV. Printer’s Mark of the Blaeu Press 219

Chapter X

Globes and Globe Makers of the Early Seventeenth
Century. The Dutch Scientific Masters and Their
Preëminent Leadership
The shifting of globe making interest to the northwest of Europe at the close of the sixteenth
century.—The Van Langrens as leaders.—Jodocus Hondius and his son Henricus.—Willem
Jansz. Blaeu and his sons, John and Cornelius.—The Ferreri armillary sphere.—Globes of
Peter Plancius.—Isaac Habrecht.—Globes of Mattheus Greuter and their reproduction by
Rossi.—Manfredus Settàla.—Abraham Goos.—Adam Heroldt.

A
S the first post-Columbian century came to its close the center of
interest in great transoceanic exploration and discovery shifted to
the northwest of Europe, to England, and to the Netherlands. Since
expeditions were daily setting sail to all shores of the world, “Quoniam in
omnes mundi plagas quotidie magis magisque navigatur,” quoting the word
of the enthusiastic Hondius, the chart and globe makers found their services
in great demand, globes both terrestrial and celestial being still regarded as
essential to a navigator’s complete outfit of sailing instruments. The quick-
witted Netherlanders, with well-developed business instincts, engravers,
printers, map and globe makers, set to work to correct the old and to
construct new “seamen’s cards” to serve the seafarers in their enterprises,
and it was not long after entering this field of scientific endeavor that
leadership by them was clearly attained.
Although of Danish origin, perhaps logically the Van Langren family
should have had first consideration in this chapter, since father and sons
came to be loyal supporters of their new homeland’s interests, and it was in
the Netherlands where were laid the scenes of their activities in the field
here under consideration. Chronologically, however, they had place in the
preceding chapter because their work as globe makers began in the early
eighties of the sixteenth century. They, at least, be it said to their credit, led
the way, achieving some of their highest successes in the early seventeenth
century. This, too, was the time when the Hondius, the Blaeu, the Jansson,
and the Goos families came to the front to contribute their part, in a very
distinguished manner, toward the promotion of the work so ably begun by
their contemporary, Jacobus Florentius van Langren.

Jodocus Hondius (1567-1611) was a native of Wacken (Fig. 60).1 To this
village his parents, shortly before his birth, had fled from Ghent to escape
the persecuting hand of Count Egmont. The father, Oliver de Hondt, a
modest teacher but a man very learned in theology, had embraced the
reformed faith and therefore became an outlaw by decree of the
government. On the arrest of Egmont, he with his family returned to Ghent,
to remain but a short time, for in the year 1569 we find a residence had been
taken up at Duffel near Antwerp. In this city two children were born, a
daughter whose name is now unknown and a son Henry, usually referred to
as Henry the Elder.
Jodocus at an early age gave evidence of possessing very remarkable talent
for designing and engraving. We are told that at the age of eight he began to
apply himself to the art of portraiture, of ivory carving, and of copper
engraving, and that his father, noting the exhibition of special talent in the
son, placed him as an apprentice with an engraver and sculptor in Antwerp.
During this period of apprenticeship he carried on his studies of the fine
arts, also of Latin, Greek, and mathematics, under the direction of his father,
at the same time applying himself to the work of map engraving. It
probably was about the year 1585 that he went to England, where, by
reason of the talent he exhibited, he found employment with the English
geographers, Richard Hakluyt and Edward Wright, during which period he
appears to have engraved and printed a small world map in hemispheres. In
the year 1592 he returned to Amsterdam, where he established himself as an
engraver and printer, turning his attention especially to the issue of
geographical maps.2 Among his friends he numbered the men most
prominent in his field, notably Petrus Bertius, very learned as a geographer,
and Petrus Montanus.3 It appears to have been Bertius who informed him of
the intention of the heirs of Mercator to dispose of that illustrious
geographer’s engraving and printing establishment, and who perhaps
negotiated the sale of the same. At any rate, we find that in the year 1604
Jodocus Hondius came into possession of the Mercator copper plates of the
Ptolemy maps, and at the same time he seems also to have acquired the
greater part of the edition of Mercator’s ‘Atlas’ of 1602 then remaining
unsold. In the year 1605 Hondius prepared and issued a third edition of the
Ptolemy maps; in 1606 he issued a third edition of Mercator’s ‘Atlas’; in
1608 he published a fourth edition; in 1609 and in 1610 other editions.4 It

must have been in the year 1611 that he issued his great world map in two
hemispheres, bearing the title “Novissima ac exactissima totius orbis
terrarum descriptio magna cura & industria ex optimis quibusque tabulis
Geographicis et Hydrographicis nuperrimisque doctorum virorum
observationibus duobus planisphaerijs delineata. Auct. I. Hondio.” This
work has been recently issued in a superb facsimile of the only known
extant original copy, now in the possession of Prince Maximilian of
Waldburg zu Wolfegg-Waldsee.5 Of such superior excellence is the work of
Hondius, as exhibited in this masterpiece, that it justly entitles him to first
place among those who, up to this date, had undertaken to construct world
maps.
It seems to have been early in his career as engraver and printer that he
prepared his first globe gores and issued his first celestial globe. The
director of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of Nürnberg, in courteous
communication, reports that in the rich collection of that institution there is
a Hondius globe of the year 1592, which date, if accurately read, makes this
to be the only known copy of what must be taken as his first issue. The map
is a colored copper engraving covering a ball of wood having a diameter of
60 cm. The mounting of the globe, which clearly is the original, consists of
the usual circles, resting upon six wooden support columns. A more detailed
description of this particular example it has not been possible to obtain.6
Not until the year 1600 does there appear to have been a second issue of his
globes. Of this second issue a remarkably fine pair (Figs. 88, 89) was
recently acquired by Mr. Henry E. Huntington of New York City.7
Excepting very slight damage to the celestial globe in the north polar
region, they may be said to be in practically as fine condition as they were
when first given out from the master’s workshop. Their complete history
has not been obtainable, but so remarkably well preserved are they that it
seems quite probable they have been kept through all these years in the
library case of some rich Italian treasure-loving family. There cannot be the
slightest doubt of their age, certainly none of the age of the spheres
themselves, but the exact date of the bronze mounting, though clearly in the
style of certain Italian workmanship of the period, is less easy to determine.
These globes have a diameter of about 34 cm. and an entire height,
including the base, of 73 cm. The spheres on which have been pasted the

twelve engraved gores are of papier-mâché, over which is a covering of
plaster and a coating of thick varnish or shellac giving a smooth surface for
the terrestrial and the celestial maps. To each, color was artistically applied
by hand, which still retains a richness of tone. Each is supplied with a
bronze meridian and horizon circle and with an hour circle attached in the
accustomed manner at the north pole. These circles are appropriately
graduated, the horizon circle having, in addition to its graduation into three
hundred and sixty degrees, a series of concentric circles engraved, counting
from the outermost, with the names of the winds, compass directions in the
Dutch language, the names of the months, and the signs of the zodiac. Each
sphere with its circles is carried on a base composed of three artistically
designed and engraved bronze supports, these being attached at their lower
extremities by an appropriately designed plate, and in this plate has been set
a compass, still apparently in perfect condition, the dial face of this
compass having a diameter of 8 cm. Aside from their scientific value for the
student of geography and of astronomy, these are fit pieces to adorn the
library shelves of a prince among American book collectors, as they must,
in keeping with the custom of the time, have once adorned the shelves of an
Italian patrician book lover.

Fig. 88. Terrestrial Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1600.

Fig. 89. Celestial Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1600.

The terrestrial globe has the following dedication: “Illustrissimo Principi
D o Mauritio à Nassau, Principi Auraico, Comiti à Nassau, etc. Gubernatori
Provinciarum Foederatarū Summoque Praefecto mari Inferioris Germaniae
Domino suo colendissimo. Jod. Hondius Flander L. M. D. D. Cum
privilegio decem annorum.” “To the illustrious Prince D. Maurice of
Nassau, Prince of Orange, Knight of Nassau, etc. Governor of the Federated
Provinces and High Prefect of the Lower German Ocean, his Most
Worshipful Master, Jodocus Hondius dedicates (this globe). With privilege
for ten years.” This dedication is placed within an artistic cartouch (Fig. 90)
which is surmounted with the coat of arms of the Princes of Nassau, to
which appropriate colors have been added. To the left of the above is an
address to the reader: “Iod. Hond. Lectori S. P. Quoniam crebriores in
omnes mundi partes quotidie navigationes instituūus ejusdem certius
perspicitur atque innotescit; nemini idcirco mirum spero visum iri, si haec
nostri globi descriptio ab aliis antehac in lucem editis plurimū discrepet.
Quin uti par est, nostrae diligentiae et curae favebit, qua recens patefacta et
cognita, qua directiones, latitudines et similia cōgruenter distincta suis locis
habentur. Quod ipsum in ducendis lineis Directorii fecimus et peritis
cumulate satisfactum confidimus. Postremo lectorē benev. rogam⁹ ut si
quam loci alicujis pleniorem notitiam habeat eandem nobiscū, provehēdi
boni publici gratia, lubens comunicet. vale.” “Hondius to the reader
greeting. Inasmuch as frequent voyages into all parts of the world are
undertaken every day, whereby the several locations (of places) are more
certainly seen and are made known, I hope therefore no one will be
surprised to find this delineation on our globe very different from that on
most others previously issued. But who, as is right, will not prefer our
diligence and care, whereby recently discovered and known lands, and
whereby directions, latitudes, and such like are all properly distinguished
and are to be found in their places. What we have done in drawing the lines
of direction, we trust will be satisfactory on the whole to experts. Finally,
we ask the kind reader that, if he has fuller knowledge of any place, that of
his own free will he will communicate the same to us, to the end of
advancing the public welfare. Farewell.” Within the Arctic circle and north
of North America is the title and date legend reading “Globus Terrestris de
integri revisus & emendatus an. 1600.” “Globe of the entire earth revised
and corrected in the year 1600.” To the right of the dedicatory legend we
find instruction given as to the method of finding the direction from one

place to another, of which one may be desirous of having knowledge; it
reads: “Modus investigandi locorū directionē. Duorum locorum in hoc
globo quorum directionem scire cupis hoc est in quam coeli partem alter ab
altero vergat, primo longitudinis et latitudinis differentiam notabis, qua
cognita vertas globum donec Rhumbus aliquis intersecet meridianum in
latitudinē primi loci, deinde volvas versus Ortum aut Occasum, prout res
postulat, donec gradus aequatoris numero aequales differentiae longitudinis
duorū locorum meridianum pertranseant postea vide num assūptus
Rhumbus intersecet meridianum in latitudine loci. Quod si fecerit hic est
horum locorū Rhumbus sive linea directionem indicans: sin secus, alius
assumendus est, usque dum occurrat qui hoc praestiterit. Subjecimus scalam
longitudinum.” “Of two places on this globe whose direction from one
another you are desirous of knowing, that is in what part of the heavens the
one diverges from the other, first of all note the difference of latitude and
longitude. This ascertained turn the globe until some one rhumb cuts the
meridian in the latitude of the first place, then turn to the east or to the west
as is required, until the degrees of the equator through which the meridians
of the places pass equal in number the difference in longitude of the two
places. Then note whether the selected rhumb cuts the meridian in the
latitude of the place. If it does so then this is the rhumb of these places or
the line which shows the required direction: but if it does not then another
rhumb must be chosen until the condition is satisfied. We subjoin a scale of
longitudes.” Other legends, describing briefly some event in the history of
discovery, or describing briefly the characteristic features of some locality,
are exceedingly numerous. As a record of the geographical knowledge of
the time, this Hondius terrestrial globe map may justly be referred to as one
of the most valuable of the period.

Fig. 90. Dedication Appearing on Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1600.

For astronomical study the celestial globe is none the less valuable and
interesting than is the terrestrial for the study of geography. Its descriptive
title reads: “Globus coelestis. In quo Stellae fixae omnes quae a N. viro
Tycone Brahe sūma industria ac cura observatae sunt accuratissime
designantur: nec non ea quae a peritis. nauclero Petro Theodori. Mateseos
studioso annotatae sunt.” “Celestial globe, in which all of the fixed stars
which were observed by the illustrious Tycho Brahe, with great care and
industry, are most accurately shown for the scientific student: also those
which were noted by the distinguished navigator Peter Theodorus.” The
dedication differs somewhat from that on the terrestrial globe and reads:
“Clarissimis Belgii luminibus sapientiae doctrinae et verae pietatis officinis

Academiae Lugdunensis Batavorum et Francveriensis. Hos globos ad
Mathematicas artes promovendas manu propria à se caelatas luculentissime
dedicat consacratque Jodocus Hondius ann. 1600.” “To the most renowned
lights of Belgium, fountains of wisdom, of doctrine and of true piety, of the
Academy of Leiden and of Frankfurt these globes, for the promotion of the
mathematical arts and constructed with his own hands, are dedicated and
consecrated by Jodocus Hondius in the year 1600.” The several
constellations are artistically represented in appropriate figures which
include, in addition to those of Ptolemy, a considerable number in the
southern hemisphere, for which, as the author states, he made use of the
observations of the navigator Theodorus. That star in the constellation
Cassiopeia, which so greatly interested Tycho Brahe, has a special but brief
legend distinguishing it, reading “Stella mirabilis quae insolito prae aliis
fulgore a o 1572 p. an. et trientem apparuit.” “Remarkable star which
appeared with brightness beyond all others in the year 1572 and for a year
and one third.”
A second pair of Hondius’ globes of the year 1600 is reported as belonging
to Count Rocco Giannini of Lucca. Fiorini says of them that they have
mountings of bronze, resembling in this respect the pair described above,
but he adds that they are without inscriptions of special note.8 Either the
information which he received concerning them was inaccurate or there
exists a very marked difference between these pairs, the only ones it has
been possible to locate.
In the year 1601 Hondius issued a pair of globes which were somewhat
smaller than the preceding, each having a diameter of 21 cm. The
inscription on the celestial globe, in which appears the date of construction,
differs but little from that appearing on the issue of the year 1600; it reads:
“Globus coelestis in quo fixae omnes quae a N. viro Thicone Brahe sum̄ a
cura observatae sunt, accuratissime designantur quibus adjuncta sunt circa
Pol. Australe stel. quae a pertissimo nauclero Petro Theodori. annotatae sunt
simul accomodatae ad annum 1600. editus vero 1601.” “Celestial globe in
which all the fixed stars which were observed with the utmost care by the
illustrious Tycho Brahe and accurately noted, to which are added the stars
around the south pole which were observed by the skilful navigator Peter
Theodorus. Adapted to the year 1600, but edited in the year 1601.” The

general design of the figures of the several constellations agrees with that of
the first edition, the chief difference lying merely in the matter of size.
On the terrestrial globe is the following dedication: “Serenissimis
Principibus Alberto et Isabellae Cla. austriacis Brabantiae Ducibus. Jodo.
Hondius. auctor et Joan Baptista Vriendt. Antuerpiae.” “To the Most Serene
Rulers Albert and Isabella, the renowned Princes of Austrian Brabant,
Jodocus Hondius author and John Baptist Veen (dedicate this globe).
Antwerp.”
The author has added a rather lengthy address to the reader, in which is
interesting reference to the difficult problem of determining the longitude of
places.9 “Hondius Lectori S. In locorum longitudine hactenus mirifice
peccatum esse hydrographiae peritis satis constat: Regiones enim fere
omnes descriptae sunt prout naucleri in suis navigationibus directionem
duorum locorum ab uno loco ad alterum invenerunt, idque nulla habita
ratione loci tertii, vel deviationis acus nauticae, vel etiam directorii nautici,
quo indifferenter utuntur, quamvis in uno non aeque ac in alio chalyben ille
acus ponatur, et a vero septentrione magis vel minus divertatur, pro uso loci
in quo directoria fabbricata sunt, unde necessario longitudo locorum
distorta est. Multi hos errores frustra conati sunt emendare per polares
stellas, alii per Lunae cursum, alii certius per eclipses. Verum hoc opus, ille
labor. Quis enim in tanta locorum multitudine eclipses observabit? At cum
jam tandem per variationem, aut deviationem acus nauticae, ut vocant,
locorum, longitudo inveniatur, operae praetium me facturum putavi si in
hoc globo regiones omnes (saltem quarum longitudo jam cognita est) suis
quas q̄ veris longitudinis gradibus delineavero, quamvis id non exigui
laboris fuerit. Longitudines incepimus non ab Insulis Fortunatis ut
Ptolomeus, sed ab iis quae açores vocantur quod acus nautica ibi recta in
septentrionem vergat. Vale. Anno 1601.” “Hondius to the reader greeting. In
the matter of the longitude of places all hydrographers, it is agreed, have
blundered marvelously, since nearly all regions have been described as
navigators, in their voyages, found the direction from one to another, of any
two places, without reckoning having been taken from a third place, or
account having been taken of the variation of the nautical needle, or even of
nautical direction, which they indefinitely make use of, although in one
place the needle does not point exactly as in another, being deflected more
or less from the true north according to the usage of the country in which

the compass card employed was made, and thus the longitude of places is
made to vary. Many have tried in vain to eliminate these errors by the polar
stars. Others have tried to do the same by noting the course of the moon,
and others again, with more certainty, by observations of eclipses; but all
this is with much labor, and who will be able thus to get an accurate
observation? But now since the longitude of places has been sought through
the variation or deviation of the needle, as they say, I thought it would be a
work of merit if I noted on this globe all the regions (at least all whose
longitude is known) each with its own degree of longitude although
knowing this would be no little labor. We have begun our reckoning of
longitude not from the Fortunate Islands, as did Ptolemy, but from those
which are called the Azores, because there the nautical needle points
directly to the north. Farewell. In the year 1601.”
These globes of 1601 are composed of a hollow wooden shell, over which
have been pasted the twelve engraved gores. They are mounted on well-
constructed bases of copper from which rise the supports for the horizon
circle, on the surface of which are the usual graduations, the calendar and
zodiacal representations. The meridian circles are of brass, are graduated,
and have in addition the engraved designations “Zona torrida,” “Zona
temperata,” “Zona frigida.” An example of each of these globes of 1601
may be found in the Museo Municipale of Milan, and one of the celestial
globes in the library of the Seminario Vescovile of Rimini.
In the year 1613, shortly after the death of Jodocus Hondius, there was
issued in Amsterdam, by Adrian Veen10 and Jodocus Hondius, Jr., a
terrestrial and a celestial globe, each having a diameter of about 56 cm. The
dedication of the first reads: “Illustrissimis, Nobilissimis, Amplissimis et
Prudentissimis Federatarum Inferioris Germaniae Provinciarum Ordinibus
ac Patribus Patriae Dominis Suis Clementissimis Dedicabant Jodocus
Hondius Junior et Adrianus Veen. In the year 1613.” “To the Most
Illustrious, Most Noble, Most Exalted, Most Prudent Lords of the Federated
Provinces of the Netherlands, and Fathers of their Country, their Most
Benign Masters, Jodocus Hondius Jr. and Adrian Veen dedicate (this
globe).” The title of the terrestrial globe is given as “Globus terrestris
summa cura ac diligentia a Jodoco Hondio piae memoriae inchoatus,
globosis autem directorii nautici lineis ab Adriano Venone ad usum
navigantium accomodatus, illiusque et Jodoci Hondii junioris ope et

industria absolutus atque perfactus. Amsterodami 1613.” “Terrestrial globe
begun with great care and diligence by Jodocus Hondius of pious memory,
furnished with the lines of nautical direction (loxodromes) for the use of
navigators, by Adrian Veen, and finished by the industry and labor of the
same and of Jodocus Hondius, Jr. Amsterdam 1613.” It seems probable that
the Jodocus Hondius here referred to was Henricus Hondius, who for
reasons of business had taken the name of his father, affixing the word
“Junior.”
The celestial globe to accompany the above terrestrial has the title, “Globus
coelestis in quo stellae fixae omnes, quae a Nob. viro Tychone Brahe
summa industria ac cura observatae sunt, accuratissima designantur, nec
non circa polum austrum eae quae a Peritiss. nauclero Petro Theodorico et
Friderico Houtmanno Mathessos studioso annotatae sunt.” “Celestial globe
on which are accurately depicted all the fixed stars that were observed by
the illustrious Tycho Brahe, with great industry and care: also those stars
around the south pole which were noted for the scientific student by the
skilful navigator Peter Theodorus, and by Frederick Houtmann.”
Surmounting the cartouch containing the above title is a portrait of Tycho
Brahe with the legend “Effigies Nob. viri Tychonis Brahe Dani Domini de
Knudstrup. Summi Mathematici. Aetatis 47.” “Portrait of the illustrious
Tycho Brahe, Danish Lord of Knudstrup, the great mathematician, in his
47th year.” The dedication of this globe differs somewhat from the former,
reading, “Illustrissimis, Amplissimis, Clarissimisque D. D. Dominis
Ordinibus Provinciarum Foederis Belgici, Don̄ is suis Clementissimis in
assiduae Gratitudinis memoriam, Dant Dedicantque Adrianus Veen et
Jodocus Hondius Junior. Anno 1613.” “To the Illustrious, the Great, the
Renowned Lords of the Provinces of United Belgium, their Most Benign
Masters, as a token of constant gratitude, Adrian Veen and Jodocus Hondius
Jr. give and dedicate (this globe). In the year 1613.” There is evidence that
Hondius drew from the work of Willem Jansz. Blaeu for certain features of
this edition, in which he followed a practice of the time. Frequent complaint
is to be met with, that this borrowing was not always done with the proper
note of credit. We find, for example, that in the year 1608 Blaeu presented a
special plea to the States of Holland and West Friesland that he be made
secure against the loss caused by pirated editions of his works. He informed
the States that he had given himself hope of being able to support his family

in an honest way, and that he would have succeeded with God’s mercy and
blessing, if certain individuals engaged in the same business had not
undertaken to copy his productions.11 It seems probable that Blaeu’s
complaint touched in some manner his large world map of the year 1605,
since there is striking resemblance between this and the world map of
Hondius issued in the year 1611, and, as noted above, we find that Jodocus
Hondius’ son, signing himself Jodocus Hondius, Jr., continued to borrow
from his distinguished contemporary’s work. The practice of borrowing,
however, seems to have been later reversed, when Blaeu, undoubtedly
noting the success of Hondius’ large globe of 1613, decided himself to
produce one yet larger, as a result of which we have the splendid Blaeu
globe of 1622.
A pair of this issue of the year 1613 may be found in the Biblioteca
Barbarini of Rome, and another pair in the Biblioteca Civico of Treviso. An
example of the celestial globe may be found in the Museo di Strumenti
Antichi di Astronomia e di Fisica of Florence.
In the year 1615 we find that Josef de Rossi of Milan undertook, without
giving proper credit, the publication of the Hondius globes of the year
1601.12 In size there is agreement, but certain changes in dates are to be
noted, as in the address to the reader, wherein we find 1615 instead of 1601,
but in other respects there has been a literal transcription. In the celestial
globe of 1601 we find the following reference to the recorded position of
the fixed stars, “Accomodata ad annum 1600, editus vero 1601,” whereas in
the Rossi copy we find “accomodatae ad annum 1614 editus vero 1615.”
The dedication of this terrestrial globe of 1615 reads: “Ill mo viro optimaraq̄
artium amatori et Fautori D. Paulo Mellino Romano. Josephus de Rubeis
Mediolanensis devoti animi monumentum dat dicatque.” “To the Most
Illustrious, the Lover and Promoter of the best arts D. Paulus Mellinus of
Rome, Joseph de Rossi of Milan gives and dedicates this token of devoted
friendship.” A copy of the terrestrial globe of 1615 may be found in the
private library of the Italian artist, Lessi, of Florence, and a copy of the
celestial globe belongs to Collegio Romano of Rome.
The Hispanic Society of America possesses a terrestrial globe signed
Jodocus Hondius and dated 1618 (Fig. 91). Jodocus the elder died in the
year 1611, and while the map of this globe may be a reprint of one which he

had engraved, it should be noted that it does not agree in all of its details
with any other known globe of his, and may therefore be the work of the
son. The sphere of papier-mâché has a diameter of 20 cm. and is supported
on a base of wood which includes a horizon circle, having pasted on its
surface the usual representations of zodiacal signs, the calendar, and the
names of the principal winds or directions. This horizon circle rests upon
four small turned legs joined at the bottom by cross bars, covering which
bars is a circular turned disc 22 cm. in diameter, from the center of which
rises a short post. Through a slot in this post passes a graduated meridian
circle within which the globe ball revolves.

Fig. 91. Terrestrial Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1618.

The map is slightly water-stained, but the American portion is particularly
well preserved. A crack in the sphere along the meridian of 150 degrees east
extends from pole to pole, and is rather a disfigurement than a serious
injury to any part of the surface. The map is a remarkably fine example of
the Dutch map engraver’s art. The lettering and the continental outlines
were remarkably well cut in the copper plate used in the printing, and in
many places the luster of the ink is still preserved. In the northern part of
North America is the brief and interesting dedication “Clarissimis
Consultissimique Nauticae Belgicaeque Federatarum Inferioris Germaniae
Regionum Praefectis D. D. Jodocus Hondius.” “To the most illustrious and
most prudent prefects and seamen of Belgium and of the region of lower
Germany, Jodocus Hondius gives and dedicates (this globe).” In the “Terra
Australis incognita” is the address to the reader which is practically
identical with that to be found on the Hondius terrestrial globe of 1601,
omitting, however, the word “Vale” and changing the date to “1618.” Near
the entrance to Hudson’s Bay is a legend reading “Huc retrocesserunt
Amstelodamensis anno 1612.”
From this bay an arm extends to the southwest which is referred to as “The
bay where Hudson did winter,” and an arm extends to the southeast, which
is referred to as “The Bay of Gosneres.” A few other brief legends are
given, referring to an event or to events supposed to have taken place in the
locality in which they are placed. Small but artistically engraved ships sail
the Atlantic and the Pacific, and here and there a marine animal is
represented. Loxodromic lines are made a conspicuous feature, having their
crossing centers at longitudes 0, 90, 180, and 270 on the equator, likewise
on the prime meridian at latitude 35 degrees both north and south, as well as
at the same latitudes on the opposite side of the sphere, where the prime
meridian becomes the meridian of 180 degrees. In addition to this example
belonging to The Hispanic Society’s collection, one may be found in the
Germanisches Nationalmuseum of Nürnberg.13
Not until the year 1640 do we find the name Hondius again appearing on a
dated globe. Attention has been called to the fact that Henricus, the son of
Jodocus, continued, with more or less diligence, the work of map engraving
and map printing, which the latter had carried on so successfully in

Amsterdam until the time of his death. We are told that a partnership in the
business, about the year 1639, was formed by Henricus Hondius with Johan
Janssonius, his brother-in-law, and that this business, after the year 1644,
passed entirely into the hands of the latter. It was in the year 1640 that the
firm referred to undertook the reissue of the Hondius globes of earlier date.
These had a diameter of about 52 cm. The gore maps, consisting of twelve
parts, were made to extend to within twenty degrees of each pole, the polar
space being covered with the usual polar cap.
The address to the reader, to be found on the terrestrial globe of the year
1613, is repeated on this of 1640,14 but the dedication differs somewhat in
the two, reading, on those of the 1640 issue, “Illustrissimis, Nobilissimis,
Amplissimis et Prudentissimis Foederatarum Inferioris Germaniae
provinciarum Ordinibus ac Patribus Patriae Dominis suis clementissimis
dedicabat Henricus Hondius. Henricus Hondius excudebat An. 1640.” “To
the Most Illustrious, Most Noble, Most Exalted and Prudent Lords of the
United Netherlands, the Fathers of their Country, his Most Clement Master,
Henricus Hondius dedicates (this globe). Constructed by Henricus Hondius
in the year 1640.” There have been added a number of interesting legends,
such as the following: “Inter S. Laurentii et los Romeros insulas vehemens
admodum est versus ortum et occasum fluxus et refluxus maris.” “Between
the islands of St. Lawrence and Los Romeros there is an exceedingly strong
ebb and flow of the sea eastward and westward”; “Psitacorum regio sic a
Lusitanis appellata ob eorum avium ibidem magnitudinem.” “The region of
the parrots, and this is so called by the Portuguese because of the great
number of these birds found here”;15 “Promontorium terrae australis distans
450 leucas a capite Bonae Spei et 600 a S. Augustini.” “This promontory of
the southern land is distant 450 leagues from the Cape of Good Hope, and
600 from Cape St. Augustine”; “Accolae Freti Magellanici septentrionem
versus procerae, meridiem vero versus exiquae magnitidinis reperiuntur.”
“The inhabitants of the Strait of Magellan toward the north are of large size,
but toward the south they are of small stature”; “Lybia inferior quae hodie
Saara appellatur quae vox idem quod desertum significat.” “Lower Lybia is
called today Sahara, which word means desert.” In the Hudson Bay region
we find, “In sinu Maris Hudsons Bay vulgo dictus ubi M. Hudson
hybernavit, ibidem maris aestus non ultra duos pedes accrescebat, quod et
observabit D. Thomas Jacobus a. 1631 in sinu ‘James his Bay’ dicto et ubi

mensuram duorum pedum non excedebat maris tumor.” “In the bend of the
sea called Hudson’s Bay, where Hudson passed the winter, the tide of the
sea did not rise more than two feet, which also was observed by Thomas
James in the year 163116 in the Bay called James his Bay where the rise of
the sea likewise did not exceed two feet.” Near the last-quoted legend we
find, “Thomas Button hibernans in portu Nelson ad altitudinem grad. 57
observavit singulis ex horis aestum maris accrescere 15 pedes aut ultra, qui
flante Zephiro solito magis instar plenilunii intumescebat. Sequenti aestate
animadvertit quoque ad altitudinem grad. 60 similes aestus maris qui nunc
orientem versus nunc occidentem vergebant.” “Thomas Button,17 who
passed the winter in Port Nelson, at the high latitude of 57 degrees,
observed hour by hour the tide of the sea to rise 15 feet or more, which tide,
with the accustomed wind blowing, swelled very like a (spring) tide. Next
summer he noticed at a latitude of 60 degrees similar ocean tides which
now had an eastward flow and now a westward.” A legend has been added
relating to the magnetic poles and to the difficulty of locating the same,
reading “Duos in hoc loco Gerardus Mercator et alii eundem secuti
posuerunt Polos magnetis, unum respectu insularum capitis viridis, alterum
respectu insulae Corvi et Floridis: cum vero de his nihil certi sit, et
quotidiana experientia nos aliter doceat de deviatione acus nauticae ambos
omissimus.” “Gerard Mercator and others following him have placed two
magnetic poles in this locality, one according to the direction indicated (by
the compass needle) at the Cape Verde Islands, the other according to the
direction indicated at the Islands of Corvus and Flores: but as nothing is
known for a certainty concerning these, and a daily experience teaches us
otherwise concerning the variation of the magnetic needle, we have omitted
both poles.”18
The globes of this edition were supplied with the usual brass meridian
circles, wooden horizon circles, on the surface of which was pasted the
printed representation of the zodiacal signs, the names of the months, and of
the principal winds or directions.
The celestial globe follows, in its records, more closely than does the
terrestrial, the issue of 1613. The title legend, the reference to Tycho Brahe,
and the reference to the star which appeared in the year 1572 in the
constellation Cassiopeia, all agree with those in the earlier edition, as do, in

the main, the representations of the figures of the several Ptolemaic
constellations and those added in the southern hemisphere. The dedication
reads, “Illustrissimis Nobilissimis Amplissimis Clarissimisque D. D.
Dominis Ordinibus Provinciarum Foederis Belgici Dominis suis
Clementissimis in assiduae gratitudinis memoriam dat, dicat dedicatque
Illustriss. Amplit. Vest. devotus Henricus Hondius.” “To the Most
Illustrious, Most Noble, Most Exalted, Most Renowned Lords of the United
Provinces of Belgium, his Most Clement Masters, as a memorial of constant
gratitude, gives and dedicates to Your Illustrious Highnesses (this globe).
Henricus Hondius.”
A copy of each of these globes of 1640 may be found in the library of the
Seminario Vescovile of Portogruaro, a copy of each in the Biblioteca
Quiriniana of Brescia, and one of each, though undated, in the Museo
Civico of Vicenza.
If the Van Langren family and the Hondius family brought renown to their
country through the excellence of their work in the field of cartography, so
likewise did the Blaeu family, father and sons. Perhaps to Willem Jansz.
Blaeu (Fig. 92) and his son, John, belongs first place in the long line of
distinguished map and globe makers of the Netherlands.19

Fig. 92. Portrait of Willem Jansz. Blaeu.

A record which finds general acceptance tells us that Willem Blaeu was
born in the village of Alkmaar in the year 1571.20 Of his childhood years
very little is known. It was some time in his early boyhood that he went to
Amsterdam, where he found employment, it appears, at first in the house of
a Holland merchant, and later as a joiner’s apprentice. We can be certain
neither of the time when he decided to leave Amsterdam, nor of the exact

circumstances which induced him to visit the island of Hveen, then
belonging to Denmark, an event of much significance in his life. We,
however, cannot be far wrong in asserting the promptings for this visit to
have been his early liking for mathematical, geographical, and astronomical
studies. It was here that he first came into intimate relations with Tycho
Brahe, the famous Danish astronomer, who, in the year 1576, through
princely favor, came into possession of this island, and, as before noted, had
erected here his remarkably well-appointed astronomical observatory,
which he called Uranienburg.21 For nearly a quarter of a century this was
one of the most famous centers in all Europe for the study of astronomical
science and of its practical application. Blaeu, however, was not the first of
the young Netherlanders to find the way to Uranienburg to receive
instruction from the great master.22 Of his sojourn on the island we have but
little direct information. It appears certain that he passed at least two years
with Tycho, engaged the while in study and in the construction of
mathematical and astronomical instruments. That the relations between the
two distinguished scientists continued to be of the most friendly character
after Blaeu returned to Amsterdam is very certain. Not a few of those who
in later years praised Blaeu’s scientific attainments refer to him as “the
pupil and longtime friend of Brahe,” and Blaeu himself, in certain legends
appearing on his globes and maps, refers to him as his teacher. It cannot be
doubted that Blaeu owed to his abode on the Island of Hveen the real
foundation of his scientific knowledge, both in the field of geography and
astronomy, as well as his knowledge of the construction and the skilful use
of mathematical instruments. We have reason for believing that a number of
the instruments which served the great astronomer in his investigations23
were the work of Blaeu, and it is an interesting fact, as we know, that
Brahe’s observations, here made, formed the basis for Kepler’s calculations,
leading him to the discovery of the laws which immortalized his name.24
It was perhaps late in the year 1596 or early in the year 1597 that Blaeu
returned to Amsterdam, where he soon established himself as a maker of
mathematical instruments, of maps and of globes, and as an engraver and
printer. There is good reason for thinking that from the first he prospered in
his undertakings, and, from incidental references to his activities, it may be
inferred that it was not long after 1600 he was in his own fully equipped
house. From his presses numerous works were issued, the many examples

of which, still adorning the shelves of most prominent libraries, are a
monument to his great abilities.

On his ‘Paescarte,’ one of his earliest publications,25 and usually referred to
the year 1606, we read that it was “Ghedruckt t’ Amsterdam bij Willem
Janssoon op’t Waeter inde Sonnewijser,” a location often referred to in
certain later publications as “op’ t water In de vergulde Sonnewyser,”
reference here being to the gilded sundial which, as a business sign,
adorned the gable of his establishment. It appears that in this originally
selected locality his work was carried on until the year 1637, when his
entire plant was moved into more commodious quarters in the
Blumengracht, one year only before his death. The sons, John and
Cornelius, succeeded to the business, and to the former especially belongs
the credit of issuing the most sumptuous atlas in that period of remarkable
map making.26 In the year 1672 practically the entire establishment was
destroyed by fire.
Willem Blaeu’s training admirably fitted him to serve his country in matters
pertaining to its maritime interests, and its calls as well as its rewards for
service were not infrequent. As proof of the confidence that his
contemporaries had in his knowledge of geography and navigation, the
Estates General of Amsterdam, January 3, 1633, by resolution, appointed
him Map Maker of the Republic, an honorable position held by him until
his death, then being successively passed on to his son and to his
grandson.27
We are told that Tycho had given to Blaeu a copy of his astronomical
observations before their publication, that this copy was carried to
Amsterdam, and that after a careful study of the records contained therein
the latter began the practice of globe making.28 The implication contained
in this reference is that his first work as a globe maker was the preparation
of material for a celestial globe, but no such globe of his, bearing date
earlier than 1602, is known. His first dated work appears to have been a
terrestrial globe of the year 1599. In many of its features it gives evidence
that Mercator was the master followed, notably in the representation of the
loxodromic lines which radiate from the numerous wind or compass roses,
or from centers regularly placed on the surface of the globe.

This first issue has a diameter of 34 cm., which is less than that of
Mercator’s globe of the year 1541, but greater than that of the Van Langren
globe of the year 1585.29 The gores, twelve in number, were cut seven
degrees from the poles, the polar space being covered with a circular disc.
Blaeu, as many other globe makers of his period, found that by thus
dividing the engraved globe map a more nearly perfect covering for the
sphere could be obtained. Meridians and parallels are drawn at intervals of
ten degrees, the prime meridian passing through the island of Santa Maria
in the Azores group. In a conspicuously placed cartouch he presents his
address to the reader. “Spectatori meo S. Hanc terrae marisque faciem qui
aspicis sic inspice ne dispicias: multa hic mutata, (sed nihil temere) quae,
nisi attendas, facile fugiant. Ratio constructionis in multis nova, sed proba.
Gibbum plano, planum globo commutavimus: duplicato labori: sed certiori:
idque ut ventorum spirae justis per orbem trrarum gyris discurrerent: hinc
factum ut in omnibus terrae oris praeter parallelorum et meridianorum
etiam plagae ratio nobis fuerit habenda. Quae quidem omnia attento
spectatori facile apparebunt. Vale et fruere. Guilielmus Jansonius
Alcmariensis auctor et sculptor. 1599.” “Greeting to my observer. This
representation of the earth and sea, which thou beholdest, be pleased to take
note of in this manner. Many things here have been changed, but nothing
without reason, and unless thou art attentive these things might easily
escape thee. The method of construction is in many points new, but correct.
We have changed that which is relief into the flat, and the flat into the
globular, a double labor but more nearly correct, and we did this that the
directions of the winds throughout the world might be given their proper
(loxodromic) spirals: and we have made a representation of the coast lines
of all shores of the earth, besides a representation of the parallels and
meridians. All this will be seen by the attentive observer. Farewell, and may
you be happy. William Jansz. Alcmar, author and sculptor. 1599.” Fiorini is
of the opinion the expression “multa hic mutata” in the above quoted
inscription indicates that the copies in which it is found are reprints of an
earlier edition, and that it has been inserted for the purpose of keeping the
globe on sale. Is not the reference rather to this simple fact that Blaeu
borrowed much of his geographical information from others, as he admits,
including Mercator and Van Langren, and that he had merely altered the
same to the end of bringing his records to date? The dedication reads
“Noblissimis, Amplissimis, Clarissimis, D. D. Dominis Ordinibus

Foederatarum Inferioris Germaniae Provinciarum dignissimis fidis Patriae
Patribus hoc terrae marisque Theatrum L. M. Q. Dat, Dicat, Dedicat Cliens
Vester subjectis. Guilielmus Jansonius Alcmarianus.” “To the Most Noble,
Most Distinguished, Most Illustrious, Lords of the United Provinces of
Lower Germany, Fathers of their Country this representation of the land and
the sea gives, grants, and delivers your humble client Willem Jansz.
Alcmar.” It will be noted that the family name Blaeu was not employed in
the signature, but instead Alcmar, the name of his native place. He
apparently did not consider it essential always to employ the same name.
Sometimes he gave this as Guilielmus Jansonius Blaeu, Guil. Jansz. Blaeu,
Guiljelmus Blaeuw; sometimes he gave it as Guilielmus Janssonius
Alcmarianus, or Guil. Jansz. Alcmar; sometimes as Guiljelmus Caesius or J.
G. Caesius, in which he had classicized his name Blaeu; sometimes the
name is coupled with that of the son as Guil. et Johan Blaeu. The legends
on this globe are numerous which tell of great discoveries and explorations,
of which the principal ones are here quoted from Baudet’s readings from
the Leiden copy. Near the north pole we find “Hic tandem passi graviora
Batavi, proxima tempestate diversum iam iter ingressi, nostrum altius
mundi verticem versus progressi, ignotas quaerere terras, et si qua proprior
ad Chinam aditus aggressi sunt. Mirum quid invenerint! immane quid
evenerit! Sic, macte Proles Neptunia novisque honoribus hanc gentem
nostram cumula, male coepisti, si hic sistas. Durum hoc, sed perdura, nec
cede malis sed contra audentior ito. Fata viam expedient.” “As far as this,
after suffering great hardships, the Dutch, in recent times have progressed
toward the top of the world, seeking unknown lands, and if there is any
shorter way to China. Wonderful are their discoveries! Strange things have
happened! Go on, O blessed progeny of Neptune, and add new honors to
our race. You have begun ill if you stop here. It is a hard task, but endure.
Do not yield to misfortune, but on the contrary be more daring. Fate will
clear the way.”
In the same locality “Immortale nomen & gloriam incomparabilem vobis,
Columbe et Americe comparastis, Qui primi has terras (alteram orbis
partem) tot iam secula latentes adire, detegere, lustrare et utinam perlustrare
voluistis: Fruct s vero maximos multis perperistis.” “Ye have gained an
immortal name, and incomparable glory for yourselves, Columbus and
Americus, who were the first to approach these lands to discover and

disclose them (the other part of the world) unknown for so many centuries,
and I would that you had desired to explore them. You have brought forth
much fruit for the many.” Another reads, “Magnam porro gloriae partem
Ferdinande Magellane, iure tibi vendicas: cui ... vastae regionis Australem
terminum quaerere eamq. freto cognimini nobis perviam facere lubuit &
licuit.” “A large share of the glory thou doest rightly claim, O Ferdinand
Magellan, to whom it was pleasing and to whom it was allowed to seek the
southern bounds of a vast region, and to open the Strait for us that bears thy
name”; also a legend referring to the Cortereals, “Utinam vero par eventus
Casparo Cortereali contigisset, qui iam ante maiori conatu quam successu
transitum a Borea attentaverat: et quoties Britannis idem fervide
molientibus et aeris iniutiis gradum revocare coactis.” “I wish that like
success had come to Gaspar Cortereal, who before, with greater effort than
achievement attempted to find a passage by way of the north. Likewise to
the British (I wish success) strenuously attempting the same but forced to
retreat by reason of adverse weather.”
As in the issue of his sheet maps, Blaeu was not always careful to add an
exact date of preparation, in the majority of instances, indeed, omitting the
date altogether, so also in the issue of his globes he frequently omitted dates
or gave one which we know to have been later than was that of the original
issue. His geographical records serve us, however, as fairly accurate guides
in the determination of these dates, and what was so frequently true of the
globes he constructed in the last years of his life was true of this his first.
We have, for example, copies of this bearing date 1599, which contains
geographical records of the year 1616, indicating therefore a later reprint
with a few alterations.
It was not until the year 1603 that he undertook the preparation of a
celestial globe to serve as a companion of his first terrestrial. This he
dedicated, “Illustriss o Principi ac Domiōauritio, Principi Auraico Comiti de
Naussau etc., Marchioni Veriae et Flissingae etc., Domino suo
Clementissimo, Hos astriferum, stellarum arte coelo deductarum, coelum
Gratus M.O.D.D.C.Q. Guilielmus Jansonius Alcmarianus.” “To the
Illustrious Prince and Lord D. Maurice, Prince of Orange, Count of Nassau,
etc., Marquis of Veria and Flissingen, etc., his Most Benign Lord, this globe
of the stars brought down from heaven by art is gratefully dedicated by its
maker with dutiful mind. Willem Jansz. Alcmar.” In his title legend he

makes particular reference to his teacher Tycho, which legend reads:
“Sphaera stellifera. In qua ut speculo quondam firmamenti Universaum
Syderū ornatum ac stellarum ordinem summa, qua fieri potuit, industria a
Guilielmo Jansonio, magni Tychonis quondam discipulo, accuratissime
disposititum: earumque numerum multo quam hactenus, auctiorem ex
observationibus recens. a Nob. viro D. Tychone Brahe, astronomo
incōparabili, habitis, depromta anno 1600, et quo deinceps seculo,
accommodata intueri liceat.” “Celestial sphere. Herein as in a mirror all the
stars of the firmament are depicted, and in proper order with the greatest
possible industry and accuracy by Willem Janson the former pupil of the
great Tycho: their number much increased from recent observations made
by the noble D. Tycho Brahe, that incomparable astronomer, taken from his
observations made in the year 1600, and made with an accommodation for
the coming century.” Near this cartouch is a portrait of the great astronomer
with his favorite motto, “Non haberi, sed esse.” Near the south pole we find
a reference to recent astronomical discoveries in the following words:
“Habetis hic, Astronomum studiosi, trecentas et plures antarctici mundi
vertici viciniores stellas, ex observationibus secundum jam a Frederico
Houtmanno, majori studio et accommodatioribus instrumentis, ad stellas a
Tychone positas factis, depromptas: auctiori numero et accuratiori
dispositione vestro commodo et delectationi depictas A. 1603.” “Thou hast
here, O student of astronomy, more than three hundred stars, that are nearest
the pole of the antarctic world, from the observations made by Frederick
Houtmann with further study and with more suitable instruments, along
with the stars that were located by Tycho: this increased number and this
more accurate location having been set down for your use and delight in the
year 1603.” He adds here and there a brief legend in which he directs
attention to recently discovered stars.
The purchase of a pair of these globes, that of 1599 and of 1603, was
reported in the year 1885 by Dr. Baumgärtner,31 who refers to them as
having a diameter of 34 cm., as being well mounted and artistically colored.
On the first, he notes, are represented sea monsters swimming in the oceans,
and the natives of many of the little known regions appear in picture, as, for
example, in the region of Patagonia, near which appears the legend,
“Patagonae regio ubi incolae sunt gigantes.” “The region of Patagonia
where giants live.” Greenland is laid down as a small island, as is also

Corea. The region of Bering Sea shows clearly how inexact was the
knowledge of the North Pacific in his day, and the same inexact geographic
knowledge of the southernmost region of South America and of Australia is
strikingly recorded. There are slight differences apparently existing between
Dr. Baumgärtner’s globes and certain other known copies of the same date,
but differences which are of no special significance.
A pair of these globes was announced in the sales catalogue, “Geographie
cartographie & voyage, 1891,” of Frederik Muller of Amsterdam. A
geographical record on the terrestrial globe clearly indicates that it was not
issued, however, until after 1616, although dated 1599, since it contains a
reference to the Van Schouten voyage of 1615-1617. It was on this voyage,
says Van Schouten in his ‘Journal,’ that he gave the name “Staten Lant” to
that region on the left as one enters the Lemaire Strait, and the name “Isle
of Barnevelt” to the island discovered in this strait.32 Both of these names
appear on this globe. It has in addition an interesting legend which might be
taken to suggest that the globe was not constructed until the year 1682,
although the gores, save for this legend, may have been printed much
earlier. This legend reads, “’t Amsteldam by Joannes van Ceulen,
Joanniszoon op de hoek van de Mol-steegh, in de Nieuwen Atlas, werd
gedruckt en op nieu uytgegeven met Praevilegie ... alle de Globes en
Spaeren by den Heer Joan Blaeu Zal. nagelaten. Ao. 1682.” The celestial
globe seems to agree with other known copies.
Two copies of the terrestrial globe of 1599 and two of the celestial of 1603
may be found in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of Nürnberg. A pair
may be found in the Biblioteca Angelica of Rome and a pair, reported to be
in good condition, belongs to the Biblioteca Comunale of Fano. Adam
Kästner reports, in his ‘Geschichte der Mathematik,’ the purchase of a pair
of this first edition of Blaeu’s globes.33 According to a catalogue entry of
objects belonging to the University of Leiden in the year 1716 there is
reference to two pairs of Blaeu’s globes. Only one pair of these, however,
seems now to be known, which pair a few years since was removed to the
Astronomical Observatory.34
In the year 1602 Blaeu issued a terrestrial and a celestial globe, each having
a diameter of 23 cm. In a legend on his terrestrial globe he refers to it as an
improvement, doubtless meaning that he had undertaken to bring its

geographical records to date. This globe he dedicates as follows: “Noblis is
Illustr is Hollandiae Zelandiae ac Westphrisiae ordinibus, P.P.P. Clementiss is
hanc terrae marisque aphaerum summa diligentia accuratissime fabricatam:
debiti honoris gratique animi testimonium L.M.D.D.D. Amstelodami.
Guilielmus Jansonius Blaeu. anno 1602.” “To the Most Noble, Most
Illustrious Princes of Holland, Zeeland and West Friesland, Most Benign
Rulers. This sphere of the earth and sea, accurately constructed with the
utmost care is dedicated by Willem Jansz. Blaeu of Amsterdam as a
testimony of honor due and of a grateful mind. In the year 1602.” Over this
legend have been placed the coats of arms of the three provinces designated
and near it a legend reading, “En denuo studiose Geographiae, terrestrem
contractioriforma globum, multo, quam ante hac unquam, emendatius et
auctius confectum: a ventorum spiris navigantium comodo, exquisitius
adornatum: nec non navigationis curriculo, ab Oliverio van Noort Batavo in
orbem peracto, notatum. Auctor Guilielmo Iansonio Blaeu.” “Here again, O
student of geography, thou hast a terrestrial globe in smaller size, much
smaller than ever before, and more accurately and completely furnished,
having the spiral directions of the winds (the loxodromes) represented for
the use of navigators. These have been carefully drawn, and there is also
indicated the course of circumnavigation of the Dutchman Oliver van der
Noort.35 Willem Jansz. Blaeu author.” Van der Noort, to whom reference is
made in this legend, had started out in the year 1598, hence his expedition
was a recent event and was therefore thought worthy of reference. He sailed
through the Strait of Magellan, reached the Indies of the East, and with four
of his original ships returned to Holland in the year 1601. Blaeu, as he
states, marked on his globe the course of this expedition. The celestial globe
constructed as a companion of the former has a similar dedication reading,
“Nobilis is Illust is Hollandiae Zelandiae Westphrisiae Ordinibus D. D. suis
Clementis is hunc astriferum inerrantium stellarum globum, summa cura et
industria adornatum debiti ossequii et gratitudinis ... D. D. D. Guilielmus
Jansonius Blaeu.” “To the Most Noble, and Illustrious Princes of Holland,
Zeeland, and West Friesland, Most Benign Rulers: this celestial globe of the
fixed stars, prepared with the greatest care and industry is dedicated as a
gift of obedience due and of gratitude. William Jansz. Blaeu.” A legend
somewhat descriptive in character near the former reads, “Habes hic
Astrophile stellarum inerantium ex certis is D. Ticho Brahe (mei quondam
praeceptoris) observationibus numero et dispositione prae aliis an̄ o 1600

accomodatarum sphaeram accuratissime expolitam et Australibus asterismis
quod novum a Federico Houtmano observatis exornatam. Auctor Guilielmo
Jans o Blaeu.” “Thou hast here, O lover of the stars, a globe of the fixed
stars from the most accurate observations of D. Tycho Brahe (my onetime
preceptor) in their number and disposition, besides other observations
accommodated to the year 1600, finished and furnished with (a
representation) of the southern stars which have of late been discovered by
Frederick Houtmann. Willem Jansz. Blaeu author.” Stars varying in
magnitude from the first to the sixth, receive each an appropriate
representation or sign, and there is a separate distinguishing mark for the
nebulae. To each of the constellations is given its Latin name. In addition to
the forty-eight constellations of Ptolemy he gives the two sometimes
referred to by the ancients, “Bernice’s Hair” and “Antinous,” adding, with
names, more than ten constellations in the southern sky. A legend in the
constellation “Cepheus” tells us, with reference to one of its stars, “Haec
stupendae magnitudinis stella insolito fulgore anno 1572 in Cassiopeia sede
amicuit.” “This star of great size and unwonted brilliancy appeared in the
Chair of Cassiopeia.” In the constellation “Cygnus” is a legend reading
“Novam illam stellam quae anno 1600 primum in pectore Cygni apparuit
(atque etiam nunc immota parte) ex diligenti nostra ad eandem Lyrae
lucidae observatione Longitudo 16° 15´, latitudo 55° 30´ labore
comperimus.” “The new star which in the year 1600 first appeared in the
breast of the Swan and to the present has not altogether disappeared, this we
have located, by diligent search in Lyra long. 16° 15´ and lat. 55° 30´.”
By reason of the fact that so few copies of this issue are known to exist, it
has been thought that for some reason Blaeu issued a very limited number.
We know, however, that his terrestrial globes were highly valued and were
much in demand, because of the care with which they had been prepared,
because of the efforts to give information concerning the latest discoveries,
and because of his representation of the loxodromic lines which made them
of special value to navigators; that his celestial globes found favor by
reason of the fact that he was known to be a pupil of Tycho Brahe, and that
he himself was known to be a mathematician and astronomer of distinction.
To the following known examples of the 1602 issue brief reference may be
made. In the Accademia dei Concordi of Rovigo, Italy, there may be found
a fine pair. The Stadtbibliothek of Nürnberg possesses a fine pair, reported

by the librarian to be in excellent condition, and two copies of the celestial
globe may be found in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of the same city.
A copy of the terrestrial globe is to be found in the collection of the
Königliches Museum of Cassel, and one in the town of Rüdingen near
Schaffhausen.
The Hispanic Society of America possesses, in its rich collection of globes,
a fine example of Blaeu’s terrestrial of the year 1606 (Fig. 93). It has a
diameter of 13.5 cm., is mounted on a substantial wooden base, has a
graduated meridian circle, half of which, however, is missing, a wooden
horizon circle, on the upper surface of which is pasted an engraved slip of
paper with the usual graduation, the calendar, and the names of the zodiacal
signs. A legend in the great austral land which is called “Magallanica,”
contains the date and refers to its dedication to Blaeu’s learned friend of
Edam, Cornelius Petrius. This legend reads “Omnium virtutū genere
ornatissimo viro Domino Cornelio Petreio ecclesiastae apud Edamenses
vigilantiss. et mathematico eximio suo singulari hanc orbis sphaerae a se
hoc modo delineatae L. M. Q. D. D. Guilielmus Blaeu. Anno D. 1606.” “To
Dom. Cornelius Petrius, a man adorned with all virtue, a most vigilant
ecclesiastic among the people of Edam and a mathematician of singular
renown, Willem Blaeu dedicates this terrestrial globe now completed by
him in the year 1606.” In the northern part of North America is the title
legend reading “Nova et accurata terrae marisque sphaera denuo recognita
et correcta a Guilielmo Blaeu.” “A new and accurate sphere of the earth and
sea newly revised and corrected by Willem Blaeu.” The globe ball is of
hollow metal thinly covered with a preparation of plaster on which have
been pasted the twelve engraved gores extending from pole to pole. As in
the case of the Muller copy of the issue of 1599 this one, though dated
1606, contains a record of the discoveries of the Van Schouten expedition,
that is, the names “Staten Lant,” “I. Barnevelt,” and “Fr. le Maire,”
discoveries made in the year 1616, as before mentioned.36 The magnitude
of the austral land is made to equal or to exceed that of the entire Old
World, the most northern extension of which, in the East Indian region,
bears the name “Nova Guinea.”37 Its geographical information in general
agrees with that so carefully recorded on the Blaeu maps. In the western
and southern sections of North America the source of information has been
largely Spanish, in the eastern the source has been French and English, and

in the northeast almost entirely English. In the north Atlantic we still find
“Brazil,” “Maides,” and “Frisland,” the mythical islands of the Zeno
Brothers, and north of Europe a record of the attempts of the Netherlanders
to reach “Nowaja Semlja.” For so small a globe the detailed geographical
information given is very remarkable.

Fig. 93. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1606.

In addition to this example the British Museum kindly sends the
information that in its collection there is a copy of Blaeu’s terrestrial globe
of the year 1606, agreeing in its dimensions with the copy in the collection
of The Hispanic Society of America, also of a celestial globe of the same
date which appears to be a unique copy.
The Hispanic Society of America also possesses a terrestrial and a celestial
globe, the work of Blaeu, globes clearly issued as companion pieces (Fig.
94), which appear to be the only copies known, the latter dated 1616, the
former undated.38 The spheres have each a diameter of about 10 cm., a
substantial and artistic mounting of brass, including meridian and horizon
circles, four twisted support columns, and a circular base plate. Though
small in size, probably the smallest constructed by Blaeu, in their
geographical and astronomical details they are remarkably full.

Fig. 94. Terrestrial and Celestial Globes of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1616.

The terrestrial globe, in an artistic cartouch near the south pole, is referred
to as “Nova Orbis Terrarum Descriptio Auctor Guilielmo Blaeu.” “A new
description of the world by Willem Blaeu author.” Unlike that of the year
1606, noted above, it contains no reference to the expedition of Van
Schouten and Le Maire, and records only the Strait of Magellan at the

southern extremity of South America. Continental contours, even that of
“Magallanica” and of the New World, agree in practically all details with
his earlier globes and general world maps. He has retained certain
geographical names which appear more or less conspicuously on some of
the earlier maps, as “Estotiland” north of Labrador, “Frisland” and “Island”
in the north Atlantic and “Norembega” applied to the coast of Maine. The
north Pacific is entirely too narrow and the island of “Japan” is located not
far from the west coast of North America. Bering Strait is well represented
but is unnamed. The map is not well preserved, the chief injury to it being
in the western part of North America and in the central and eastern Pacific.
The celestial globe, which is the companion of the former, has a similar
brass mounting. It is remarkably well preserved and all inscriptions on the
surface of the ball are easily legible. It is made to revolve about the axis of
the ecliptic. The figures representing the several constellations have been
artistically engraved, and stars up to the sixth magnitude have appropriate
and distinct representation. A legend near the south pole reads “Sphaera
stellata in qua ceu speculo Stellae fixae ex accuratis Nobilis viri D.
Tychonis Brahe observationibus ad annum 1600 accommodatae conspicuae
sito ponuntur.” “The starry sphere in which as in a mirror the fixed stars are
placed by the accurate observations of the Noble D. Tycho Brahe,
accommodated to the year 1600.”
Blaeu’s earliest globes, as has been noted, were of small dimensions. It
must have been shortly after the year 1616 that he decided to undertake the
construction of those of much greater size, to the end of making his work
the more serviceable; but to this he may have been led in part, as before
noted, by the success of the large globes of Hondius of the year 1613.39
Unfortunately it is not easy to determine the exact date of the several issues
of his work appearing in the last twenty years of his life. In general, the date
of the construction of the globes of these years is altogether wanting. The
dedications in the several reprints or editions vary, as do many of the
inscriptions, while the large size of the globes remains practically the same.
One cannot feel certain that a date, apparently given as the year of
construction, is accurate, since it is very evident in the several reprints care
was not always given to this detail.

The first issue of his large terrestrial globes seems to date from the year
1622, though the suggestion is not wanting that he had actually completed
the celestial globe before the close of the year 1616.
With but slight variation in the form of the expression, we find on all
examples of his largest globes the inscription “Amstelredami. Excusum in
aedibus auctoris ...,” indicating at least that the printing was done in the
author’s Amsterdam workshop. All have a diameter of about 68 cm., though
the mountings of the several known examples differ somewhat.
The Hispanic Society of America possesses a fine example of the terrestrial
globe, dated 1622 (Fig. 95). The ball is formed of papier-mâché, having
over its surface a thin coating of plaster made perfectly smooth and
shellacked to receive the thirty-six engraved gores, or twice eighteen half
gores, and the usual circular polar caps. It is well preserved, considering its
great size and its age, though somewhat injured in the region of the western
Mediterranean, in the East Indian Islands, in West Africa, in South America,
and in parts of the Pacific Ocean. It is furnished with an elaborate wooden
base, a considerable part of which appears to have been added subsequent
to that constituting the main support, a horizon circle of wood, and a
meridian circle of brass. The map is a fine example of the work done in the
Netherlands by the copper engravers and printers of the period, in particular
of the work which issued from the Blaeu press. Continental outlines are
well drawn, lands and seas are crowded with geographical records,
including individual names and legends. Very artistically designed ships sail
the oceans singly or in fleets, and compass lines as well as loxodromic lines
are very numerous, radiating from centers distributed over the surface of the
map. Much of the original color which had been artistically applied by hand
still remains, particularly on the southern hemisphere, which has been less
exposed to the light and to careless handling. The author and date legend
placed near the south pole in an artistic cartouch reads, “In ista quam
exibimus, terreni globi descriptione omnium regionum juxta et insularum,
quotquot hacetnus a nostris Argonautis, vel etiam ab aliarum gentium
Naucleris visae et notatae, loca in suo secundum longitudinem et
latitudinem situ, summa sedulitate et industria disposita invenies, quae res
non solum Geographiae studiosis jocunda, verum etiam iis, qui terras longe
dissitas et sub alio sole calentes frequentent, maxime utilis futura est. In
quorum gratiam etiam rhombus nauticos (ita vocantur Helices lineae

secundum ventorum plagus delineatae) quam accuratissime expressimus.
Hunc igitur laborem nostrum ut tam Gratis animis accipiatis, quanta
sedulitate a nobis est obitus, ex aequo omnes rogatos volo. Guiljelmus
Caesius Auctor. Anno CICICCCXXII.” “In this terrestrial globe, which we
here present, you will find all the regions and islands as far as they have
been seen, up to the present, and marked by our navigators, or have been
seen and marked by the navigators of other nations, placed in their own
proper position of longitude and latitude, with the greatest care and
industry, which not only will be a source of pleasure to the students of
geography but also of the greatest utility to those who visit far distant
shores, which are warmed by another sun. And for their benefit we have
also inserted the nautical rhombs (for so are designated the lines which
show the direction of the winds). This labor of ours I hope and pray you
will accept with as much gratitude as we have bestowed care upon it.
Willem Caesius. In the year 1622.” A citation of all legends which the
author has placed on his map would indeed fill many pages, and but few of
these are here quoted.

Fig. 95. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622.

In the southern hemisphere, and particularly conspicuous by reason of the
artistic cartouch in which it is placed, we find a reference to the question of
the proper location of the prime meridian,40 somewhat lengthy but quoted
here in full. “Quamvis longitudinis initium arbitrarium esset, ab occasu
tamen ejus auspicium facere ideo veteribus placuit quod illic aliquis terrae
limen esset, qui ortum versus nullis expeditionibus deprehendi potuisset.
Atque eam ob causam Ptolemaeus (cujus sedulitati et industriae
Geographiae incolumitatem omnes, vel inviti, debent) ab ultimo termino
occidentis cognito, quae Insulae in Atlantico Mari Fortunatae dictae sunt,
auspicium fecit in eisque primum Meridianum defixit: quod theticum
principium deinceps fere omnes ejus auctoritate moti retinuerunt. Interim
hoc seculo nonnulli hoc principium ex ipsa natura eruendum censuere. Qua
in re acus Magneti junctae indicium sequendum sibi sumpserunt, eumque
primum Meridianum statuunt quo in loco ea Boream spectat Quos plane
allucinari addita illa Magneti vis convincit, penes quem nullum longitudinis
arbitrium sit, cum is ipse sub eodem meridiano varium habeat enclisin prout
huic aut illi continenti vicinus fuerit. Sed et illi ipsi qui ita sentiunt, ob
instabile magnetis indicium, in primo Meridiano, multum inter se
dissentiunt. Quamobrem ut summo Geographiae commodo, certus aliquis
Meridianus tamquam primum principium servari et retineri possit,
Ptolemaei vestigiis insistentes, easdem Insulas, et iis Junonem, quae
Teneriffa vulgo creditur, delegimus, cujus excelsa illa et praerupta petra,
perpetuis nebulis obsessa, Indigenis El Pico dicta, primi Meridiani terminus
esto. Qua in re ab Arabum longitudinibus (qui extrema Africae littora versus
occidentem delegerunt), vix unius gradus quadrante abimus diversi: quod
quoque monuisse operae pretium putavi.” “Although the beginning of
longitude is arbitrarily selected nevertheless it pleased the ancients to begin
the counting of it from the west, because there was the limit of the earth, as
some thought, while no expedition to the east was able to determine this.
Therefore Ptolemy, to whose application and industry all men, even though
unwilling to admit it, owe the preservation of geography (geographical
science), made the location (of the beginning of longitude) in the farthest
known limit of the west, which is called the Fortunate Islands, in the
Atlantic Ocean, and in them he fixed the first meridian. This hypothetical
beginning, almost all who came after him retained because of his influence.
But in our century there are some who have said that this beginning should
be taken from nature herself, and in this matter they have taken the

indication of the magnetic needle as their guide, and fix the first meridian in
that place in which the needle points to the true north: That this is clearly an
error is proved by this additional (and peculiar) property of the magnetic
needle, that on the same meridian it has a variation according as it is near to
this or that continent. But the very men who think this, on account of the
uncertainty of the variation, disagree much among themselves as to where
the first meridian is to be located, and so for the highest good of geography,
that this same fixed meridian as a first beginning may be marked and be
retained, we ourselves, following in the steps of Ptolemy, have chosen the
same islands as he, and from their number that one which is called Juno, or
commonly Tenerif; of these (islands) that high and steep rock beset by
perpetual clouds and called by the natives El Pico, shall for us be the
location of the first meridian. In this matter, from the longitude of the
Arabs, who selected the shore of Africa farthest toward the west, we vary
scarcely the fourth part of a degree, and this I thought worthy to be noted.”
There is a brief but important legend near the Strait of Magellan reading,
“Fretum Magellanicum, sic dictum a Ferdinando Magellano Lusitano, qui
omnium primus id aperuit atque emensus est, anno 1520, Franciscus Draach
et Thomas Candish, uterque anglus Fretum emensi sunt, ille anno 1579, hic
anno 1587. Oliverius van Noorth et Georgius Speilbergius, uterque Belga
annis 1600 et 1615.” “The Strait of Magellan, so called by Ferdinand
Magellan a Portuguese who was the first to discover it and to sail through it
in the year 1520, Francis Drake and Thomas Candish, both Englishmen,
sailed through the strait, the one in the year 1579, the other in the year
1587. Oliver van Noort and George Spilbergen, both Belgians in the years
1600 and 1615.” Near the last-quoted legend we find “Fretum Le Maire a
Wilhem Scouten Hernano et Jacobo Le Maire per eum inventum et
lustratum A o 1616.” “The Strait of Le Maire discovered and surveyed by
Wilhem Scouten and Jacob Le Maire in the year 1616.” To the northwest in
the Pacific we find “Magellanus ad insulas has delatus, cum in iis nec
hominum ulla vestigia, nec quicquam humano usui opportunum invenisset,
Infortunatus nuncupavit.” “Magellan came to these islands and finding in
them no trace of man nor of anything suitable for human use called them
the Unfortunate Islands.” Near New Guinea is the information recorded
“Novissime detecta et lustrata est a Wilhelmo Scouten anno 1616.” “Very
recently discovered and surveyed by Wilhelm Scouten in the year 1616.”

In the far north is a reference to the attempts made by numerous 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. Illm̄ 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

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.

Fig. 97. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622.

Fig. 98. Celestial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622.

Fig. 98a. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, ca. 1640.

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 23½ 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.

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 philomathēom 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 Lōgitudini
affixarum: nam hae 70 annorum et 5 mensis spacio unicum gradū secundū
signorū ordinē, 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.

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.

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 Ducā 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 locorūqȝ 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.

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 secundū longitudinem et latitudinem situ sum̄ a sedulitate et
industria disposita invenies quae res non solum Geographiae studiosis
jucūda, verum etiam ijs, qui terras longe dissitas et sub alio sole calentes
frequentent, maxime utilis futura est. Hūc 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 accom̄ odatae q̄
iuxta observationē Nob. viri Tychonis Brahe, in max̄ illo Iansonii, an̄ o 1622
edito, positae sunt additis stellis q̄ à peritiss o nauclero Petro Theod: circa
Pol. Aust. notatae sū novisque Asterismis et stellis min. apparētib’, ab aliis
sum̄ 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 Bat̄ 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 Philomaticom̄ 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.”

Fig. 103. Terrestrial Globe of Mattheus Greuter, 1638.

Fig. 103a. Terrestrial Globe of Dominico Rossi (Mattheus Greuter), 1695.

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 dn̄ 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.68
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.69
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 1598.70
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.71
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.

Chapter XI

Globes of the Second Half of the Seventeenth
Century
Certain striking tendencies exhibited in the matter of globe making in this period.—The Gottorp
globes.—Weigel’s globes.—Carlo Benci.—Amantius Moroncelli.—Castlemaine’s immovable
globe.—The armillary of Treffler.—Armillary sphere of Gian Battista Alberti.—The
numerous globes of P. Vincenzo Coronelli.—Certain anonymous globes of the period.—
Joannes Maccarius.—Jos. Antonius Volpes.—Vitale Giordani.—George Christopher
Eimmart.—Giuseppe Scarabelli.—Giovanni Battista.—Joseph Moxon.—The Chinese globes
of Peking.

A
MONG the globes constructed in the second half of the
seventeenth century there were none which surpassed in scientific
value, if indeed any equaled, those sent out from the workshops of
the Netherland masters in the first half. The work of P. Vincenzo Coronelli,
the Venetian monk, crowns the period. His abilities were of a high order,
and entitle him to a place among the world’s great map and globe makers,
but the traces of his influence seem not to be so pronounced as were those
of his immediate northern predecessors.
The period was one which lent encouragement to some extravagance in
globe making. The earliest of those constructed in the post-Columbian
years, as has been noted, were of small size, but before the close of the
sixteenth century we occasionally find one of large dimensions, as, for
example, that of the great Danish astronomer, Tycho Brahe. Blaeu’s globes
of the year 1622 were thought to be of extraordinary size, but the half
century here under consideration furnishes us with examples of globes
having gigantic proportions, globes such, for example, as would have
pleased the Greek geographer, Strabo,61 who thought that one to be of value
should have a diameter of at least ten feet. The Gottorp globe, the globes of
Weigel, the Coronelli globes constructed for Louis XIV, were not such as
would lend themselves to easy duplication, certainly not as to size, ranging
as they did from about nine to fifteen feet. Of real value they possessed but
little. They were interesting mechanical curiosities, representing a tendency
in globe construction which might be referred to as the ultrapractical. In the

following century we find the opposite extreme exemplified in what were
known as pocket globes.
The so-called Gottorp globe, constructed in the years 1654-1664, at the
instance of Duke Frederick of Holstein-Gottorp, we may refer to as the first
one of importance of the period, as it was one of the largest, being,
however, rather an object62 of interest by reason of its peculiar construction,
than one of great scientific importance for the study of astronomy and
geography. This globe, about eleven feet in diameter, was prepared by
Andreas Busch of Limberg under the direction of Adam Oelschläger
(Olearius)63 (1599-1671), Duke Frederick’s librarian and court
mathematician. The world map on the outer surface of the sphere included a
record of the recent discoveries according to the most reliable sources of
information. It was furnished with a brass meridian circle, and within this it
was so adjusted as to make one revolution every twenty-four hours. The
pole elevation could not be altered, it being permanently set for the latitude
of Gottorp, that is, for latitude 54° 30′. Its horizon circle was broad, and
served as a platform upon which an observer might walk, he being thus
enabled to examine the terrestrial map to the best advantage. A door was
provided which could be opened and closed, permitting not less than twelve
persons to enter the sphere at one time. On its inner surface was represented
the entire expanse of the sky with the several constellations properly
located, having their figures carefully outlined; the several stars being
placed according to calculation for the year 1700, and each star was gilded
that it might the more easily be seen. From the inner axis was suspended a
circular gallery or platform from which the machine could be set in motion,
and from which, as representing the horizon, one might observe the rising
and the setting of the stars. The whole interior was lighted by two small
lamps. At the center of the sphere, the inner surface of which, as stated
above, represented the starry heavens, was placed a small ball, about 15 cm.
in diameter, representing the earth. The great globe, driven by water power,
was therefore made to appear to revolve around this central terrestrial
globe. A representation of the sun, made of glass, had its own proper motion
along the circle of the ecliptic, and a representation of the moon likewise
was made to move in its own proper course. This globe, in the year 1713,
was presented by the grandson of Duke Frederick to Czar Peter the Great of
Russia.

A note in the Royal Geographical Journal refers to this as a seventeenth-
century globe, adding in substance that the St. Petersburg Academy of
Sciences has lately installed at Tsarskoe Selo this large globe, weighing
some three and one half tons, constructed in the seventeenth century for
Duke Frederick of Holstein, under the superintendence of Olearius, the
astronomer and traveler. On its completion it was placed in the castle of
Gottorp, from which fact it became known as the Gottorp globe. It was
presented to the Academy in the year 1725 and up to the present has
remained in the Zoölogical Museum.64

Fig. 104. The Gottorp Armillary Sphere, 1657.

Information has been kindly given by the director of the National Museum
of Copenhagen that an exceedingly fine armillary sphere (Fig. 104) may be

found in the Museum of National History in the Friedricksborg Castle.
From the catalogue of this institution we learn that it was constructed in the
year 1657 by Andreas Busch, under the guidance of Adam Olearius, for
Frederick III of Holstein-Gottorp. As will be noted from the illustration it is
an elaborately constructed piece of mechanism. What we may term the
globe proper is composed of six great circles on which are the fixed
constellations, having the several stars represented in silver. Through the
mechanism passes a steel bar which carries a ball of brass representing the
sun, which is at the center of the complicated system of circles. Around the
sun are six circles of brass representing the orbits of the planets each
carrying a small silver angel. That part of the mechanism which represents
the equator and the zodiac is calculated to make one revolution in 25,000
years. In the base of the globe has been placed the clockwork by which the
several movements of circles and planets are effected, and time is told by
the striking of hours and quarters. Topping the piece is a small armillary
sphere representing the Ptolemaic system.
We are likewise informed that in the National Museum’s collections may be
found a celestial globe which is attributed to Petrus Theodorus. It is of
gilded brass, having a diameter of 24 cm., and while undated presumably is
of the last quarter of the seventeenth century. The globe ball is supported by
a bronze figure of Atlas, the whole standing 86 cm. in height. Tycho Brahe
is the accredited authority for the representation of the several fixed stars.

Erhard Weigel (1625-1699)65 has place among the globe makers of the
period as one who sought to reform, and, in some measure, to popularize
both astronomical and geographical science, particularly the former,
applying his own inventive ability to that end in the matter of globe
construction. In this he appears to have been rather more ingenious than
practical. He seems to have achieved special distinction in his day as
theologian, philosopher, astrologer, and mathematician.
Weigel was a native of the Rhenish Palatinate. Under many difficulties, on
account of the poverty of the family, he acquired the necessary educational
training for admission into the University of Halle. Here he soon found
himself in favor with Professor Bartholemeus Schimpfer,66 who was
counted one of the leading astrologers of the time. In addition to the
youthful student’s general duties as secretary to the professor, there was

assigned to him the task of calendar making. This was a task which
especially appealed to him, and he soon had a following, as a tutor, among
those students who like himself found the astrological science one of
absorbing interest. Led by the fact that students from the University of
Leipzig came to him for instruction, he transferred his residence from Halle
to this University, thinking thereby to improve his opportunities for
mathematical studies. Here he continued his astrological work, not so much,
it appears, because of a genuine belief in the practical value of the science,
as such; the rather because he found in its pursuit a good source of
income.67 His theological bent soon led him to a conclusion that the science
of astrology rested upon a very unsubstantial foundation. “If God be the
creator and supporter of the universe, what an insignificant part,” thought
he, “can the stars play in determining the destiny of the individual.”
In the year 1654 he became a professor of mathematics in the University of
Jena and sprang immediately into favor as a lecturer.68 Naturalism, as
heralded in his day, appealed to him and he became an outspoken opponent
of the Latinists and of the Scholastics. When his knowledge of mathematics
failed him he was inclined to resort to theology as a subject furnishing
endless themes and illustrative material. From his early belief in astrology
he turned to astronomy, but he remained a visionary, making some
contribution to the science but none of lasting value. He appears to have
been particularly distressed over the heathen names of the several
constellations and the figures which so long had been employed to represent
them, regarding such representations as sacrilegious and wholly unworthy
the great inventive genius of man. All this he wished to have swept from the
heavens, proposing to substitute for the same the coats of arms of the ruling
houses of Europe.69 For Ursa Major he proposed the name Elephas with the
figure of the Danish elephant, for Orion the name Aquila biceps and the
Austrian double eagle, for Hercules the name Eques cum districto gladio
and the insignia of Poland, for Leo the name tria Castella cum Aureo
Vellere and the insignia of Spain, for Erichthonius the name Lilia tria and
the insignia of France, for Lyra the name Citharae and the insignia of
Britain, running thus through the entire list. In assigning his new names to
the constellations he endeavored, in so far as possible, to assign them to
such relative position in the heavens as the respective countries or houses
occupied on earth.

In one of his publications70 Weigel describes his several mechanical
devices, including his globes, to which he refers as “Globus Mundanus,”
“Viceglobus,” “Globus coelestis perpetuus,” and “Geocosmus,” the latter
being referred to by the author as a useful terrestrial globe, which exhibits
not only all countries, but the time of the day and of the year in all
localities; also the wind and the rain and volcanic eruptions. Coronelli gives
a brief description of the same, which he calls a “Pancosmo, o Mondo
Universale,” from which, in the main, the following is taken.71
This machine, he says, has a circumference of thirty-two feet, being
constructed in the form of an armillary sphere. On its surface the stars are
represented, each in its proper size and place, and Coronelli, perhaps
indirectly quoting Weigel’s own opinion of his production, notes its real
superiority to nature, for he states that the stars, as represented, can be seen
at all hours of the day and night and as well in sunshine or rain. This
“Pancosmo” was made to appear, in its mounting, as if standing or resting
on the clouds, the whole being supported by two statues each eight feet in
height, the one representing Hercules and the other Athene. Through a door,
which was practically invisible, the great sphere could be entered by a
considerable number of persons at one time, and be enjoyed by them,
implies Coronelli, some standing and some sitting. It was so arranged
within that when one half of the celestial sphere was lighted the other half
remained in darkness, the revolution of the sphere giving a representation of
the rising and the setting of the stars. At the center was placed a small
terrestrial globe within which was a reservoir; this could be made to serve
in a representation of the subterranean fires which issued, at times most
opportune, from the craters of volcanoes represented, such as Vesuvius and
Aetna in the south of Italy, others in the East Indian Islands and still others
in America. “They give out steam, flames, and pleasant odors,” says
Coronelli, “which please the spectators.” By means of a screen and lantern
it was made possible to represent the inhabitants of any country desired,
moving about as in actual life, even “the antipodes,” says the author, “with
heads downward and feet upward.” At pleasure a breeze could be made to
blow from any desired quarter, meteors could be made to flit across the sky;
rain- and hailstorms, lightning and thunder, could be imitated. On the
surface of the terrestrial globe were represented the several countries of the
earth, likewise the several seas. Coronelli notes that which Weigel seems to

have regarded an especially commendable feature, the grouping of the stars
into new constellations, which grouping was particularly designed to aid the
memory. This of all the large globes constructed in the period seems
especially to have represented the ultrapractical, and we have no knowledge
that it was ever regarded in any other light than as a great mechanical
wonder. The final disposition of this “Pancosmo” is unknown. Günther
doubts that globes such as Weigel proposed to construct are still in
existence. He, however, refers to a globe in the collection of the
Germanisches Museum which exhibits the constellations somewhat after
Weigel’s plan.
That a certain preference manifested itself in Italy, during the greater part of
the sixteenth century, and among certain individuals interested in
geographical and astronomical matters, in engraved metal globes or in
globes with manuscript maps, has been previously noted. An argument
frequently advanced in opposition to that favoring the use of printed maps
was that the manuscript globe could the more easily be made of large size,
indeed could easily be made of any desirable size. The later years of the
seventeenth century furnish us with excellent examples in proof that a
preference for such globes lingered in certain circles in the peninsula.
Carlo Benci (1616-1676), a Silvestrian monk, born in the Tuscan town of
Montepulciano, may be named as one of the foremost among the
manuscript globe makers of the period.72 At the age of twenty-one he
entered the monastery of S. Benedetto of Fabriano, receiving in the
ceremony attending his admission the name D. Doroteo. One year later we
find him in the monastery of S. Giovanni in Montepulciano, and in the year
1652 in the convent of S. Stefano del Cacco of Rome, on entering which he
changed his name to D. Carlo Benci, we are told, attained to a place of
eminence among men of learning in Italy on account of his philosophical
and theological studies. In the year 1645 he was chosen for an
administrative office in his order, and later he successively became
sacristan, curate prior, and titular abbé of S. Bonifazio near Cingoli in the
Marche, retaining to the end of his life the headship of the parish of S.
Stefano.
To his fame as philosopher and theologian he seems to have added that of
expert cosmographer, winning through the wide extent of his interests the

special favor of Pope Clement X, who selected him as his spiritual adviser.
It must be noted, however, that his name nowhere appears especially
conspicuous among contemporary writers on philosophical, theological or
scientific subjects, and we have only the tangible evidence of his
cosmographical interests in a fine pair of globes constructed in the year
1671, now belonging to Prince D. Camillo Massimo of Rome.
These globes have a diameter of about 1 m. and still retain the greater part
of their original mounting, which, in each, consists of a meridian circle (this
in the terrestrial globe is modern) not graduated, within which they are
adjusted to revolve on their equatorial polar axes, of a horizon band,
likewise not graduated, being circular on the inner edge, but octagonal on
the outer, the whole being supported by four turned legs joined by crossbars
at their lower extremities. Both spheres are of papier-mâché and are well
preserved, the terrestrial having suffered slightly more injury than the
celestial. The spheres are covered with somewhat irregular pieces of paper,
though carefully matched, which are yellow with age. On this paper surface
the maps terrestrial and celestial were drawn with a stylus.
On a plate attached to the terrestrial globe we find a dedication to Pope
Clement X, this being surmounted with a coat of arms of the Altieri family,
of which family Pope Clement was a member. This dedication reads:
“Beatissimo Padre. Non si debbono questi due globi rappresentanti il Cielo
e la Terra da me con diligente studio composti consecrare ad altri che alla
S ta V ra, come quella, che dell’ uno maneggia le Chiavi e dell’ altra regge lo
Scettro. Considerava io, che l’ Imperio di V ra Beatit ne per non avere
confini, che lo restringano, è contanto vasto, che non può quasi essere da
humano intendim o compreso, poichè non ha la Terra, nè monte, nè fiume,
nè l’Oceano istesso, che i termini gli prescriva, nè ha il Cielo, nè Asterismo,
nè gruppo di stelle sì folto che faccia sbarra et impedisca che l’ autorità
della St̄ a V.r̄ a non giunga alle porte dell’ Empireo, che chiude e disserra a
suo talento. Quindi riflettendo io sopra l’ampiezza o per così dire
incomprensibilità del suo sacro Regno, per agevolare il suo conoscim o mi
disposi di portare quasi in compendio de l’ uno e l’altro orbe, cioè Celeste e
Terreno, in queste due moli di giro non ordinario la descritione dove possa
l’occhio con un semplice sguardo ravvisare ciò che non può la nostra mente
con la sua acutezza comprendere, e dove la S.t̄ a V.r̄ a, sollevata tal’ hora dal

peso delle cure gravissime, possa rivolgere le luci per contemplare la D.
grandezza del suo Sacro dominio. Di qui spero che V.r̄ a Beatitudine sia per
gradire queste mie deboli fatiche, come di un suddito che porta il carattere
di suo servitore attuale, e che sia per misurare dalla grandezza di queste
Sfere l’eccesso delle obbligazioni che le professo. E. qui augurandole l’età e
gl’ anni di Nestore, le bacio humilmente prostrato a terra i Santissimi piedi.
“Di S. Stefano del Cacco di Roma li 28 di Dicembre 1671 “Di V.r̄ a
Beatitudine.
“Hum mo Devot mo Oblig mo serv re e Suddito
“D. Carlo Benci Mon co Silvestrino.”73
“Most blessed Father. These two globes, which represent the heavens and
the earth, constructed by myself with painstaking industry, ought not to be
dedicated to any one but to Your Holiness, who with one hand controls the
keys and with the other wields the scepter. I reflect that the empire of Your
Holiness, having no boundaries to restrict it, is so vast that it scarcely can
be grasped by the human imagination, since earth has not mountain, river,
or even ocean that can set limits thereto; nor is there sky, or planet, or star,
or constellation so dense as to check or hinder Your Holiness from reaching
the gate of empyrean which You open and shut at will. Reflecting therefore
upon the expanse, and so to speak, upon incomprehensibleness of Your
Holiness’ Empire, I determined, with a view to furthering the knowledge of
it to give a representation of both worlds (that is of the celestial and of the
terrestrial), much reduced, as it were, upon these two spheres of no mean
size, on which the eye will be able at one glance to recognize what the
human intellect with all its powers is impotent to grasp; and over which
Your Holiness, when at times relieved from the pressure of overwhelming
responsibilities, will be able to cast your glance in order to view the
aforesaid vastness of Your Dominion.
“Wherefore I trust that Your Holiness will be inclined to accept these my
feeble labors, as those of a subject whose real capacity is that of Your
Holiness’ servant, and that You may be willing to take the great size of these
globes as the measure of the vastness of the obligation which I avow myself
under to Your Holiness. And now wishing Your Holiness the age and the
years of Nestor, I humbly prostrate myself upon the ground, and kiss Your
Most Holy Feet.

“San Stefano del Cacco, Rome, 28, December 1671.
“Your Holiness’ most humble, most devoted, and most obliged servant and
subject,
“Dom Carlo Benci
“Silvestrin monk.”
Near this dedication is a portrait of the Pope, the subscription reading
“Clemens Decimus Pont. Max.”
The terrestrial globe shows the parallels at intervals of ten degrees, and the
meridians at like intervals counting from that passing through the Island of
Ferro which has been taken as the prime meridian. The polar circles, the
tropics, and the ecliptic are made especially prominent. Place names and
legends are given either in Latin or in Italian, some of the briefer legends
taking note of geographical discoveries of special importance, and clearly
indicating that the author was well informed on the progress of discovery.
The celestial globe has represented on its surface both the equator and the
ecliptic with their respective poles indicated; circles of latitude and of
longitude are omitted. The year 1600 was selected as the normal year for
recording the position of the stars, and a statement is made noting the
corrections becoming necessary by reason of the precession of the
equinoxes. Only the Ptolemaic constellations are given, and the figures
representing the same are very artistically drawn. The famous star which
appeared in the year 1572 and the position of numerous comets are
indicated, with the date of the appearance of each.
Until the year 1862 these globes were preserved in the Altieri Library, when
they were offered for sale and were purchased by Prince D. Camillo
Massimo, finding a place in his palace at the Villa Peretti.
If Benci, through his cosmographical studies, as well as through his other
studies, brought fame to himself and to his order of Silvestrin monks, to
Amantius Moroncelli, likewise a member of this order and a contemporary,
no less credit should be given for his achievements as a maker of
manuscript globes.74 It has been noted that but one pair of Benci’s globes
can now be located, but no less than ten constructed by Moroncelli may

today be found in Italian libraries and museums, most of which possess
both scientific and artistic value of a high order.
A pair of his earliest globes is in the possession of the Biblioteca di S.
Marco of Venice (Fig. 105). These were probably constructed as early as the
year 1672 for the monastery of Cassenesi, located on the Island of S.
Georgio Maggiore. The director of the S. Marco Library informs the
author75 that they have a diameter of more than 2 m., and that through want
of proper care they are in a very bad state of preservation, being so
darkened with age as to render their maps quite illegible. On the terrestrial
globe there is a portrait, opposite which is a representation of the coat of
arms of a bishop. The celestial globe is somewhat better preserved, having a
title, only a part of which can be deciphered, reading “In hoc coelesti globo
adnotantur omnes stellae fixae ad annum ... ac cometae,” and concluding
“Extruxit D. Silvester Amantius Moroncellus Fabrianensis benedictinus sub
congregationem Silvestri Abbatis. Venetiis in Augustissima bibliotheca S.
Georgii Majoris....” The director of the library reads the date as 1683, others
have thought it to be 1672.

Fig. 105. Terrestrial Globe of Silvester Amantius Moroncelli, 1672.

In the Biblioteca Alessandrini of Rome may be found two manuscript
globes of Moroncelli, a terrestrial and a celestial, each having a diameter of
about 88 cm. These spheres are covered with paper gores fashioned as are
printed gore maps, eighteen in number, the polar space being covered with
semicircular sections, two in number for each pole. On this paper covering

the maps were drawn by hand. Each of the globes is furnished with a brass
meridian circle and a horizon circle of wood, the whole being supported by
a plane base. Under the portrait of Pope Innocent XI is the following
inscription: “Regnante Innocentio XI. Hos cosmographicos globos toto
studio construxit, calamoque conscripsit, D. Silvester Amantius Mon.
Benedictinus Cong. Silvestrin. Ann. D. MDCLXXVII.” “In the Pontificate
of Innocent XI these cosmographic spheres were constructed with all zeal,
and completed with the pen, by D. Silvester Amantius a monk of the
Benedictine order and of the Silvestrin Congregation. In the year 1677.”
The legend containing the usual address to the reader is taken from
Greuter’s globe of 1632 or from Blaeu’s globe of 1622,76 concluding,
however, with the following, “D. Silvester Amantius Moroncellus
Fabrianensis Monachus Silvestrinus auctor, construxit et notavit. Aetatis
suae an. 27. 1679.” “D. Silvester Amantius Moroncelli of Fabriano, a monk
of the Silvestrin order; constructed and lettered (this globe) in the 27th year
of his age. 1679.” On the terrestrial globe meridians and parallels are
indicated at intervals of ten degrees, the prime meridian passing through the
Canary Islands.
On the celestial globe is the following legend or inscription:
“Laudatissimum Astronomiae studium atquum sit difficilimum, jucunditas
tamen cum difficultate conjungitur, prospere ut homines et coelum potius
quam calcata intueri. Creator noster omnipotens cetera animantia per terram
sternere jussit, at homines non sic, sed totum ad sidera extolli. Pronaque
cum spectent animalia cetera terrae Os homini sublime dedit coelumque
videre Jussit, et erectos ad sidera tollere vultus. Et ideo optimum erat ut
aliquod exemplum sub oculis hic opponeretur quod non immerito in medio
sapientiae sistit, ut sciant non aliter quam et per sapientiam ipsum posse
cognosci.
“In isto igitur per ipsum coelestium siderum ordinem cognoscent et nomina
astrorum juxta exactum observationem Hipparchi, Ptolomei, Alphonsi, et
Copernici per Ticonem Brahe ad trutinam examinatiae, et ne octium me
opprimeret, in istud quod cernunt per me accurate delineata. Ita ut omnes
cognoscant in vita quod post mortem omnibus opto valeant. Romae apud S.
Stephanum supra Caccum die VI men. Jan. MDCLXXX. D. Silvester
Amantius Moroncellus Fabrianensis Mon. Cong is Silvestrinorum.” “The
much lauded study of astronomy, although it is very difficult, yet pleasure is

joined with the difficulty, for it is a happier lot for men to look at the sky,
than to look at the road trodden by their feet; our Omnipotent Creator
ordained that other living beings should be prone on the earth, that man
should not be so, but should be wholly lifted up to the stars. For while other
living beings look earthward, He has given man an uplifted countenance
and bidden him look heavenward, and raise his uplifted face toward the
stars. And therefore it was good that some example should be placed here
under his eyes, which might assist him to stand in the midst of wisdom, so
that men might understand that God could be known in no otherwise than
by wisdom. On this globe therefore, and by its aid will be known the order
and the names of the celestial stars according to the exact observations of
Hipparchus, Ptolemy, Alfonso, and Copernicus, and arranged for general
use by Tycho Brahe; and that idleness might not oppress me, accurately
depicted by me, according to their discoveries. This I have done in order
that all men may know in their lifetime what I hope they may all attain to
know after their death. At Rome, from S. Stevens on the hill, January 6th,
1680. D. Silvester Amantius Moroncelli of Fabriano, a monk of the
Silvestrin Congregation.”
The tropics, the polar circles, and the ecliptic are represented, and the
figures of the several constellations are artistically drawn, the effect being
heightened by skilful shading.
The Biblioteca Municipale of Fermo possesses a fine manuscript terrestrial
globe made by Moroncelli and dated 1713. This globe is not a perfect
sphere, having a polar diameter of 180 cm. and an equatorial diameter of
194 cm. The ball is composed of thin strips of wood extending from pole to
pole, having first, over the same, a covering of heavy parchment paper, and
over this somewhat irregular but well-joined pieces of fine draughting
paper. It is furnished with a meridian circle of iron, a horizon circle of
wood, the whole resting on a wooden base. The author and date legend,
placed in a shield-shaped cartouch, reads, “Opus meccanicum hoc mirifice
compositum ab Ill. m̄ o Domino Philippo Antonio Morrono Archipresbitero
Firm no Mirificentius vere geographice distinctum a Rev mo P. Abb. D.
Silvestro Amantio Moroncello Fabrianensi. Anno a Redemptore nato
MDCCXIII.” “This mechanical work was marvelously constructed by the
Illustrious D. Philip Antony Morono, Archdeacon of Fermo. Its
geographical details were wonderfully inserted by the Rev. Father Abbot D.

Silvester Amantius Moroncelli of Fabriano, in the year of Redemption,
1713.”
In a cartouch similar to that containing the legend just quoted, though much
larger and resting on a representation of the imperial eagle of Fermo, having
a white cross on its breast and the motto “Firmum firma fides Romanorum
colonia,” there is drawn a picture of the city of Fermo with a red
background. Near the Tropic of Cancer, on the meridian of 250 degrees,
there is a shield with the coat of arms of the Morone family, and below the
Tropic of Cancer, on the meridian of 200 degrees, is the coat of arms of the
author, likewise within a shield and artistically sketched. The picture of a
Moor and of a black eagle, around which is a band of blue with three
golden stars, the whole surmounted by a prelate’s black hat with tassels, the
Moor indicating the origin of the name Moroncelli, and the prelate’s hat
honoring the author’s intimate friend, Gian Francesco Albani, who became
Pope Clement XI and who had nominated him a domestic prelate.
In longitude 113 degrees, in a shield, is the coat of arms of this pope, at the
right of which is the inscription, “Implebitur vaticinium,” at the left
“Replebitur majestate omnis terra,” and below “Irradiatibur evangelio,
studio recentis Clementiae et Successorum.” There are two or three
additional shields, in one of which is an illegible inscription, and one has
been left blank. Although meridians and parallels are indicated, loxodromic
lines are wanting, which so generally appear on those globes constructed in
the Netherlands. The nomenclature is either Latin, Italian or local.
Mythological and allegorical figures are numerous, as are also
representations of sea monsters and sailing ships.
A pair of Moroncelli’s globes, in excellent condition, may be found in the
Accademia Etrusca of Cortona. These are reported to have come to the
Academy in the year 1727 as a gift from the Abbé Onofrio Baldelli. They
have each a diameter of about 80 cm., are mounted on plain bases, and are
furnished with the usual meridian circles within which they may be
revolved. On the terrestrial globe a legend is placed within a shieldlike
cartouch surmounted with a coat of arms of the patrician family Baldelli of
Cortona, and reads, “Virorum probitas, eruditio et virtus existimationem
exigunt. Haec in Ill mo D. Abb. Onofrio Baldelli Patritio Cortonensi mirifice
effulgent. Ne dum in Humanis Artibus summopere praedito. Verum etiam in

Magnanimitatem laudabili: Dum ad complementum Bibliotechae, pro
Studiorum Concivium utilitate et eruditione, ab ipso erectae, globos etiam
cosmographicos, licet etiam dispendio trescentorum scutorum libenter
auxit. Quamobrem tantis meritis coactus D. Sil r Amantius Moroncelli
Fabrianens: Abb: Bened. Congr. Silvestrinorum Auctor ad perpetuam rei
memoriam Monumentum hoc posuit Ann. Sal. MDCCXIV.” “The
uprightness of men, their learning and virtue call for respect; these qualities
marvelously shine forth in the illustrious lord Abbot Onofri Baldelli of
patrician rank of Cortona; not only was he endowed beyond others in the
humanities, but also he was praiseworthy for his magnanimity. To furnish
the library erected by him, for the use and the instruction of his student
fellow citizens, he generously contributed these cosmographic globes,
although they cost 300 scudi. Wherefore, being executed by his great
abilities, D. Silvester Amantius Moroncelli of Fabriano, Benedictine Abbot
of the Silvestrin Congregation, has erected this monument for their
perpetual remembrance of his generosity. In the year of our Salvation
1714.”
A second legend in a less decorative cartouch reads, “Orbis Terraquei, juxta
presentem notitiam, cum multa adhuc invenienda remaneant, non solum in
Terra Australi incognita, verum etiam in Septentrionalibus Americae
Superioris ubi molta Jam occulta manent a D. Silvestro Amantio Moroncelli
Fabrianensi Abb: Bened: Congr. Silvest. Cosmographo Reginae Svecorum,
nec non Sapientiae Rom. Anno etatis sue, 64, Red. v͞ o MDCCXV.” “In our
present knowledge of the terraqueous world much yet remains to be
discovered, not only in the unknown lands of the south, but also in the
northern regions of North America where many things are still
undiscovered. D. Silvester Amantius Moroncelli of Fabriano, Benedictine
Abbot of the Silvestrin Congregation, Cosmographer of the Queen of
Sweden and also of the Roman Academy (made this globe) in the 64th year
of his age, and in the year of Redemption, 1715.”
The parallels and meridians are drawn at intervals of five degrees, and one
compass is placed in the southern hemisphere. Both Latin and Italian have
been employed for the geographical names.
The celestial globe contains the figures of the several constellations
exquisitely drawn, the name of each being given in Latin, in Arabic, and in

Greek. One finds on this globe but the one short legend reading “Stella
praeclara et peregrina Anno D. 1572 et per annum et quatuor menses,
scilicet a principio Novvemb. usque ad ultimum Martii 1573.” “A very
bright and wandering star (appearing) in the year 1572 and for one year and
four months, visible from the first of November to the last of March 1573.”
Another fine pair of Moroncelli’s manuscript globes, constructed in the year
1716, is to be found in the Biblioteca Casanatense of Rome. They have each
a diameter of about 160 cm. and are mounted on plain octagonal bases. The
terrestrial has a graduated meridian of brass, a horizon circle of wood,
likewise graduated and having indicated on its surface the several signs of
the zodiac, the names of the months, and of the principal winds. On the
surface of the globe, the parallels and the meridians are drawn at intervals
of five degrees, the prime meridian passing through the most western island
of the Canaries. The address to the reader, like that on the globe in the
Alessandrian Library, is practically a copy of the one to be found on the
Greuter globe of the year 1632. A lengthy legend relating to the prime
meridian reads: “Ut recta methodo ad cognitionem Geographie deveniamus,
Principium desumere a p o Meridiano, a quo longitudo habetur, debemus.
Unde sic. Quamvis igitur Longitudinis initium arbitrarium sit, ab occasu
tamen ejus auspicium facere ideo Veteribus placuit quod illic aliquis Terre
limes esset inventus qui Ortum versus nullus expeditionibus deprehendi
potuisset atque eam ob causam Ptolemeus cujus sedulitati ac industriae
Geographie incolumitatem omnes vel inviti debent ab ultimo termino
Occidentis cognito que Insule in Atlantico mari Fortunate olim dicte nunc
Canariae vocantur auspicium fecit. In iisque Primum meridianum defixit
quod theticum principium deinceps fere omnes ejus auctoritate moti
retinuerunt. Nunnulli quidem Seculo transacto principium tenendum
censuere ubi Acus Magneti junctae recta in boream spectat: Sed multum
inter se dissentientes allucinantur. Nos autem Ptolomei vestigiis insistentes
easdem Insulas delegimus et Lineam meridionalem in Insula De Ferro dicta
que de Fortunatis ut olim et de Canariis nunc, una de Principalibus est
fiximus.” “That we may come to the right method for acquiring a
knowledge of geography we must make a beginning from the first meridian
from which longitude is reckoned. Although the beginning of longitude is
arbitrary it pleased the ancients to make this beginning from the west
because there was found a limit of the earth which could not be found by

voyages toward the east. For this reason Ptolemy, to whose application and
industry all men owe the preservation of geography though grudgingly,
made the beginning from the farthest known bounds of the west, which are
the Fortunate Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, but now called the Canary
Islands. In these he fixed the first meridian, and this hypothetical beginning
almost all who have followed him have been led by his authority to retain.
Not a few in the century just passed have thought that the beginning should
be made where the magnetic needle points directly to the north. But these,
as they disagree among themselves are mistaken. We follow in the footsteps
of Ptolemy and have chosen the same island, and placed the meridian line
in the Island of Ferro, one of the principal islands of the Fortunate group
now called the Canaries.”
In addition to the one just quoted there are a few other legends relating to
geographical discoveries which contain allusions, very similar to the many
which may be found on certain other globes of the period, adding little or
nothing that is new.
The celestial globe, mounted practically the same as the terrestrial, contains
the following legend: “Ecce damus methodo Ptolemaica seu Orteliana
coelestium siderum quotquot hodie extare comperimus schemata, situs et ut
decet reperiuntur perfecta. Sunt enim ex descriptionibus Hipparchi,
Ptolomei, Alphonsi, Copernici, per Tyconem Brahe ad trutinam examinata,
nec non Joannis Bayeri, qui Uranometriam per imagines in tabulis aeneis
expressit. Et nunc per me D. Silvestrum Amantium Moroncelli Fabrianen̄
Abbatem Bened. Congreg. Silv. calamo descripta coloribusque effigiata
adattataque ad Ann. 1716.” “Observe that we give after the method of
Ptolemy or Ortelius the settings of the stars of heaven, as far as they have,
to the present, been discovered, and as far as their positions have been made
known. We have employed the descriptions of Hipparchus, Ptolemy,
Alfonso, and Copernicus, as tested and confirmed by Tycho Brahe, and also
by the observations of Johannes Bayer, who expressed the star system (of
Tycho Brahe) objectively in brass tables, now by myself D. Silvester
Amantius Moroncelli of Fabriano, Benedictine Abbot of the Silvestrin
Congregation. All these have been expressed in letters and represented in
colors, and accommodated to the year 1716.”

There is given a second legend of some importance reading, “Tabula
continens quantum quovis proposito anno vel addendum vel demendum sit
longitudini affixarum. Stellae enim spatio septuaginta Annorum et quinque
mensium unicum gradum secondum Asterismorum ordinem super Polum
Zodiaci progrediuntur ab Occasu ad Orientem. Ex hujusmodi Regula
invenitur Sidera migrasse a Mundi creatione usque ad hunc annum 6915,
Gr. 98, M. 47, S. 20. Et ab adventu D. N. J. C. usque ad hunc annum 1716,
Gr. 24, M. 30, S. 25.” “Table noting how much must be added to or
subtracted from the longitude of the fixed stars in any given year. The stars
move from west to east one degree in the space of seventy years and five
months according to the order of the constellations of the zodiac. From this
rule it is found that the stars have moved from the creation of the world a
period of 6915 years to the present 98 degrees, 47 minutes and 20 seconds,
and from the advent of Our Lord Jesus Christ to this year 1716, 24 degrees,
30 minutes, and 25 seconds.”
In addition to the above-mentioned examples of Moroncelli’s work, there
may be cited a number of allusions to others which cannot now be located.
Fiorini notes first a fine cosmographic sphere designed to represent both the
terrestrial and the celestial, having a circumference of 2.62 palms, and
probably constructed for the patrician family Trevisiani.77 It appears that it
later passed into the hands of Prince Lucio Odescalchi of Milan, and in the
year 1849 was taken to Rome, after which it appears that all trace of it was
lost. It is said to have been a very artistic piece, brilliantly colored with
numerous pictures executed in miniature, and to have been dated 1690. The
anonymous biographer of Moroncelli, whose account exists only in
manuscript and is frequently cited by Fiorini, notes that Moroncelli
constructed a manuscript globe for Queen Christina of Sweden.78 This has
been thought by Porti to be the globe just referred to, but the identity is
doubtful. Again Fiorini makes allusion to the probable existence at one time
of a pair of Moroncelli’s globes in the Monasterio Biblioteca of S.
Benedetto of Fabriano, and of still another pair in the Collegio De Vecchi of
the same city, but of these nothing at present is known.79 The anonymous
biography likewise alludes to one of his celestial globes which he
constructed and dedicated to Cardinal Alessandro Albani of Urbino. In this
the author undertook, like certain others of his day, to substitute for the
Greek mythological characters or figures representing the several

constellations, pictures of biblical objects and characters, or of individuals
selected from Christian martyrology.80 While this particular globe cannot
now be located, there is a small one of similar character which belongs to
the Accademia Etrusca of Cortona, having a diameter of about 27 cm., its
map being partly in manuscript and partly printed. There is the following
author and date legend: “Sacrometria omnium asterismorum coelestium
figuris Aecclesiasticis reformatorum a Rev. Abb. D. Sil. Amantio
Moroncelli Fabrianen. Silvestrino Ann. 1710.” “Sacred measurements of all
the heavenly stars expressed in ecclesiastical notation by the Rev. D.
Silvester Amantius Moroncelli of Fabriano, a Silvestrian, in the year 1710.”
A brief descriptive legend reads, “In hac coelesti sphaera Stellae affixae
majori quam hactenus numero et accuratiori industria delineantur novis
asterismis in Philomateorū gratiam de integro additis: quae omnia
secondum Astronomorum Principis Thyconis Brahe et aliorum
observationem verae suae Longitudini ac Latitudini ad annum Christi 1636
restituta sunt.” “In this celestial sphere the fixed stars are depicted in greater
number than previously and with more accurate care, the new stars being
added for the use of the student; all of which, according to the observations
of that Prince of astronomers Tycho Brahe, and of others, are given with
their true latitude and longitude, and accommodated to the year of Christ
1636.” This library of Cortona possesses a manuscript of Moroncelli titled
“Sacrometria omnium asterismorum continens schemata figuris
ecclesiasticis expressa Silvestri Amantii Moroncelli Fabrianensis ecc. anno
1707.” “Sacred measurement of all the stars being a scheme expressing in
ecclesiastical notation by Silvester Amantius Moroncelli of Fabriano in the
year 1707.” The constellations he divides into three groups: the boreal from
1-19, the zodiacal from 20-31, the southern from 32-58, giving to each a
new name. Hercules, for example, he changed to Samson; Lyra to David;
Cassiopeia to Eve; Virgo to Virgo Maria Assumpta in Coelum. One can
scarcely affirm that Moroncelli exerted a wide-reaching influence,
nevertheless he has, for his day, a place of considerable prominence among
globe makers.
Mr. William R. Hearst of New York possesses an exceedingly fine
manuscript celestial globe which circumstances have not left it possible to
identify. He has courteously furnished the photograph from which it is here
shown in illustration (Fig. 106). Once belonging to Mr. Stanford White, it

probably was purchased in Italy, passing in the year 1907 into the hands of
Mr. Hearst. In the sales catalogue of The American Art Society it is referred
to as a globe of the sixteenth century. There, however, is reason for
assigning it to the latter part of the seventeenth century, as there is reason
for attributing it to the Abbot Silvester Amantius Moroncelli. If the
authorship is correctly attributed it may be counted one of great value. The
figures of the several constellations are well colored. The mounting is of
wrought iron, with gilt ornaments. The globe itself has a diameter of about
90 cm., while its entire height, including the tripod base, is about 200 cm.

Fig. 106. Manuscript Celestial Globe (Moroncelli?), Late Seventeenth Century.

Roger Palmer (Fig. 107), Count of Castlemaine (1634-1705),81 published,
in the year 1679, a work bearing the title ‘The English globe being a stabil
and immobil one, performing what the ordinary globes do, and much more.’
In this he described a globe of his own invention, having a diameter of
about one foot. It does not appear that the Earl especially distinguished
himself in matters either geographical or astronomical. As a diversion from

his other interests which claimed his attention, he appears to have turned to
the construction of a globe for which he claimed an especial superiority
over all others, primarily on account of its simplicity. He set forth in his
descriptive text more than twenty of its superior features, and it is
interesting to note that Moxon thought well enough of the work to reissue it
in the year 1696.82 (Fig. 108.)

Fig. 107.

Fig. 108. Globe of Earl of Castlemaine, 1679.

Coronelli gives us the following information concerning a rather
remarkable globe which he had occasion to examine in the city of
Augsburg, of which he made a drawing for the Venetian Academy (Fig.

109), as he tells us, afterward reproducing the same in his ‘Epitome
Cosmografica.’83 This globe he says was the invention of Christopher
Treffler of Augsburg and was constructed by Christopher Rad, jeweler to
His Majesty the Emperor, in the year 1683. He calls it an “Automaton
Sphaeridicum,” that is, a celestial globe provided with an automatic
movement, so contrived as to exhibit accurately the course of the stars, and
to indicate the years, months, days, hours, and minutes, together with the
eclipses for seventeen years in advance. At the top of the instrument was
placed a little sphere by means of which one could represent certain
celestial phenomena, past and future. This mechanism, says Coronelli, is
ornamented with great ingenuity, good taste, and all regardless of expense.
In its construction eighteen hundred ounces of gold and silver had been
used. Its height was seven feet, and at the bottom it measured four feet, the
entire work rising in the manner of a pyramid above its support of four
artistically designed figures. This globe, says Coronelli, which we have
seen and handled, and of which we have an exceedingly high opinion, was
for sale at eight thousand thaler, and had been fully described in a
duodecimo volume printed by the House of Koppmeyer, in the year 1683.84
It is not known what became of this globe which Coronelli found to be so
worthy of his commendation.

Fig. 109. Globe of Christopher Treffler, 1683.

The Atheneo of Brescia possesses an armillary sphere, having on one of its
armillae an inscription which tells us that it was constructed by Gian
Battista Alberti in the year 1688, for Count Martinengo.85 The graduated
horizon circle, on which appear the names of the sixteen principal winds or
directions, rests upon two semicircles, which in turn rest on a support of
brass ornamented by six allegorical figures. In this supporting base there
has been placed a compass. Its graduated hour circle is furnished with a
movable index, such as had become common in globe construction. Five
prominent circles represent the equator, the tropics, and the polar circles, to
which is added a zodiacal band which is graduated and bears the names and
the symbolical figures of the twelve constellations, and the names of the

months. Two rings for the purpose of indicating celestial latitude and
longitude are placed within the above-named circles and carry
representations of the sun and the moon.
A contemporary of Alberti, Giovanni Maccari of Mirandola, likewise a
maker of armillary spheres, is known to us through one only, but a fine
example of his work.86 This sphere belongs to the Liceo Spallanzi of Regio
Emilia. The meridian circle, having a diameter of about 16 cm., is graduated
both for latitude and co-latitude by fives. Adjusted to this meridian is a
circle representing the colures, likewise graduated both for latitude and co-
latitude, but by tens, and adjusted to these are the polar circles, the tropics,
and the equator. On the zodiacal circle are engraved the names of the twelve
constellations, the names of the days, and on the inner surface the
inscription “Joannes Maccarius Mirandulanus Feccit 1689.” The supporting
base is triangular in shape, having a compass placed in the center. Within
the three angles of this base shields have been placed, the one bearing the
inscription “Anno Domini 1689,” the second the name “Jo Vulpis
Mirandulanus Dom us,” by whom the work was probably ordered; the third
has a representation of a fox, the emblem of the Volpi family. In addition to
the above the base is ornamented with a bronze scroll, to the points of
which are attached semicircles which support the horizon circle. This circle
has a diameter of about 15 cm., on which are engraved the usual zodiacal
names and signs, the names of the months, and of the principal winds or
directions. An hour circle is placed at the south pole with a movable index,
and within, at the common center of the circles, a small sphere to represent
the terrestrial globe, through which the polar axis is made to pass.
In the Biblioteca Estense of Modena there may be found three armillary
spheres apparently of about the same date as the two just described.87 One
of the three bears the inscription “Jos Ant us Vulpes Mirandula Domin. anno
Domini 1689.” The other two, somewhat larger in size than the preceding,
give us no particular indication of the maker, and no exact date of
construction. They may be the work of Alberti or of Maccari.
In Italy’s long line of illustrious geographers, cartographers, and globe
makers none has rank in advance of P. Vincenzo Maria Coronelli (1650-
1718).88 His achievements within his field were prodigious.89 While, as
noted above, there is wanting the evidence that his influence was extended

in striking manner into transalpine countries, he seems at least to have won
the enthusiastic recognition of contemporary men of science, as one worthy
of honor for his great achievements.
He was a native of Ravenna (Fig. 110), a member of the Franciscan Order
of monks, serving in the last years of his life as its general. It was in his
young manhood that he went to Venice, which city became the scene of the
greater part of his literary and scientific activities.

Fig. 110. Portrait of P. Vincenzo Coronelli.

More than four hundred maps were drawn, engraved, and printed by him in
the Franciscan Convent located on one of the Venetian islands, and known
as the Gran Casa del Frari, where he lived with other brothers of the Order.
It was in this convent that Coronelli founded, in the year 1680, the first

geographical society, to which he gave the name Accademia Cosmografo
degli Argonauti,90 which in its organization followed somewhat that of
certain other learned societies owing their origin to the literary and
scientific activities of the renaissance period. Its membership, in the course
of years, included men of distinction in other cities of Italy and in the
North; men famous for their achievements and for their interest in
geographical science, literary men, men who held high rank in Europe’s
aristocracy, cardinals, prelates, princes, and monarchs.91 The society
became one of the most active of the period, and the list of publications
which issued from its press, each bearing the argonautic emblem or device
—a ship on a terrestrial globe with the motto “Plus Ultra” (Fig. 111)—is a
long one.92

Fig. 111. Emblem of the Venetian Accademia Cosmografica degli Argonauti.

So great had become the fame of Coronelli as early as the year 1685, that he
was honored with the title Cosmografo della Serenissima Republica, and
was granted an annual allowance of four hundred florins, and a copyright
privilege protecting him in his right to print and publish any of his works
for a period of twenty-five years.93
We have no definite information as to the circumstances attending
Coronelli’s first interest in globe construction. It appears that his first work
in this line, a pair of large manuscript globes, opened immediately to him a
path to fame, for these had come to adorn the library of the Duke of Parma
to whom the French Cardinal, d’Estrées, in the year 1680 had occasion to
pay a visit and they immediately won the cardinal’s interest. A pair of such
globes, thought he, for so runs the story, would be a source of great delight
to His Majesty the French King, Louis XIV. Learning that the construction
of still larger globes was altogether possible, but that their removal from
Italy to France would be attended with great difficulty, he persuaded
Coronelli to accept an invitation to take up a residence in Paris, there to
direct the construction of a terrestrial and a celestial globe, sparing neither
labor nor expense that they might be worthy of presentation to the Grand
Monarch. If Olearius could construct a globe ten feet and more in diameter
for Duke Frederick of Holstein, and Weigel one of similar dimensions for
the demonstration of his theories, why, thought Coronelli, should I not
undertake the preparation of those at least fifteen feet in diameter, which in
all the details of globe construction should be made to surpass any that had
hitherto been conceived? The author himself has given us the first though
brief description of his completed work,94 and the royal astronomer, La
Hire, supplemented this description in his little volume published in the
year 1704, when the globes had been placed in the Chateau Marly.95 In the
author’s own account he alludes to the globes as having been constructed at
Paris under his direction, and by order of the Most Eminent Cardinal
d’Estrées, for the service of His Most Christian Majesty. Great care was
especially exercised in the construction of the machinery designed for the
rotation of the spheres, the author being especially proud of the fact that, so
delicate was this mechanism, each could be set in motion by a single finger.
He further gives us to understand that each sphere was so well fashioned
“one could design upon its surface all the degrees in the manner in which a
turner designs any circle on a ball without having it removed from the

turner’s lathe,” and that the material of which they were constructed was so
solid and so well joined that each was able to sustain the weight of thirty
men. Each was furnished with a door through which a considerable number
of persons might enter at one time, their presence within affecting in no
wise the solidity of construction. Each was covered with fine canvas so
carefully laid on that none of the joints could be seen, giving a surface
smooth as ivory. The meridian and horizon circles were of bronze, the
whole being supported by columns which were richly ornamented. In the
base, between the four columns supporting the meridian circles, large
compasses were placed, being so designed as properly to indicate the
needle’s declination.
On the celestial globe the greater and the lesser circles were represented in
gilt bronze, and were so graduated for both latitude and longitude,
ascension and declination, that it was made easy for an astronomer to pass
from one co-ordinate to the other without the aid of trigonometry. On a fine
background of ultramarine the several constellations with their respective
figures were represented, each of the planets and fixed stars being gilded in
order to give it due prominence. The author so designed his star map as to
represent the appearance of the heavens at the time of the birth of the Grand
Monarch,96 as is told in the following dedication engraved on a brass tablet
and attached to the surface of the sphere: “A l’Auguste Majesté de Louis le
Grand l’Invincible, l’Heureux, le Sage, le Conquerant. Cesar Cardinal
d’Estrées a consacré ce globe celeste, ou toutes les etoilles du firmament, et
les planetes sont placées au lieu mesme, ou elles estoient a la naissance de
ce Glorieux Monarque, afin de conserver a l’eternite une image fixe de cette
heureuse disposition, sous laquelle la France a receu le plus grand present,
que le ciel ait iamais fait a la terre. M.DC.LXXXIII.” “To His August
Majesty Louis the Great, the Invincible, the Happy, the Wise, the
Conquering. Cesar Cardinal d’Estrées has dedicated this celestial globe, on
which all the stars of heaven and the planets are placed in the same position
in which they were at the birth of the Glorious Monarch, in order to
preserve throughout eternity a fixed image of that happy disposition under
which France has received the most noble present which Heaven has ever
made to earth.”
On the terrestrial globe, which in its general features resembled the
celestial, the seas were painted blue and the land white, that the several

names and legends might appear the more distinct. A portrait of the King
was placed above a cartouch containing the dedication, resembling that on
the celestial globe, reading “A l’Auguste Majeste de Louis le Grand
l’Invincible, l’Heureux, le Sage, le Conquerant. Cesar Cardinal d’Estrées a
consacré ce globe terrestre, pour rendre un continuel hommage a sa Glore,
et a ses Heroiques Vertus, en mostrant les pays ou mille grandes Actions ont
esté executées et par Luy Mesme, et par ses Ordres, a l’estonnement de tant
de nations, qu’il avroit pu soumetre a son empire, si sa Moderation n’eust
arrestè le Cours de Ses Conquestes, et prescrit des bornes a Sa Valeur, plus
grande encore que sa Fortune. M.DC.LXXXIII.” “To His August Majesty
Louis the Great, the Invincible, the Happy, the Wise, the conquering. Cesar
Cardinal d’Estrées has dedicated this terrestrial globe, in order to render
perpetual homage to His Glory and to His Heroic Virtue in representing the
countries wherein a thousand great acts have been performed both by
Himself and by his Order, to the astonishment of all nations, which He
would have been able to bring under his subjection if his moderation had
not restrained the course of his Conquests and prescribed bounds to his
Courage yet greater than his Fortune. M.DC.LXXXIII.”
Below this dedication, likewise below the corresponding dedication on the
celestial globe, we read “Cet ouvrage a eté inventé et achevé par le Père
Coronelli Venitien des. Min. Conv.” “This work was conceived and
accomplished by P. Coronelli, a Venetian of the Minorite Order.”
In his brief description, the author says that he has shown on his terrestrial
globe all ancient and modern discoveries, basing the same on the maps, the
observations, and the reports of the most renowned geographers, to which
he has added the results of his own studies not recorded on other globes nor
in other maps. Special mention is made of information given concerning the
interior regions of Africa, noting that “besides outlining the Monomotapa
and Abyssinia countries, we have been the first to describe correctly the
source as well as the course of the Nile River correcting, by many degrees
the errors of the ancients.” Andrea Baba, public censor and secretary of the
Argonauts, notes, in his letter to the reader appearing in the first volume of
the ‘Atlante Veneto,’ that the author of the two globes, constructed for the
King of France, had obtained numerous authentic reports of geographers
and explorers, which he had included in his work. Ludolf, writing in the
year 1691 concerning Ethiopia, records “Ethiopia: Nostram tabulam

chorographicam comunicavimus cum P. Vincentio Coronellio, nunc
cosmographo Veneto, qui eam adhibuit in globis quos Cardinalis Estresius
pro rege Galliae construi fecit, maximos, qui unquam visi fuerint. Ibi in
Globo terrestri Habessina et Nilus secundum nostram delineationem visitur.
Satis mature eam communicaverim Adamo Oleario, cum insignem globum,
qui Gottorfii cernitur, construeret, sed ille mihi, ut tum temporis juveni,
fidem non habuit.” “Ethiopia: we made known our chorographic record to
P. Vincentio Coronelli now cosmographer of Venice, who included it on his
globe which Cardinal d’Estrées had made for the King of France, the largest
globe ever seen. There, on the terrestrial globe, Abyssinia and the Nile are
seen following our representation. Quite a long time ago we made this
known to Adam Olearius, when he was making the renowned globe which
may be seen at Gottorp, but he, as I was then a young man, did not have
confidence in me.”97
Marcel, in writing of the Portuguese in Africa, observed: “Si nous
examinons les cartes de Mercator, de Bertius, de Hondius, de Meursius, de
Sanson, de Duval, nous y trouvons un cours du Cuama ou Zanbèsi
absolument fantaisiste. Il faut arriver au fameux globe de Coronelli pour y
trouver en 1683 le cours de Zambèse tracé comme sur la carte que nous
reproduisons. Il est évident que ce géographe vénitien a pu consulter des
documents portugais aujourd’hui perdus, cartes ou relations de voyages, qui
viendraient jeter un jour infiniment précieux sur les explorations des
Portugais et les relations qu’ils entretenaient avec les populations
belliqueuses du bassin du Chiré.” “If we examine the maps of Mercator, of
Bertius, Hondius, Meureius, Sanson, Duval, we will find the course of the
Cuama or Zambesi absolutely fantastic. One must examine the famous
globe of Coronelli to find in 1683 the course of the Zambesi represented as
on the map which we reproduce. It is evident that the Venetian geographer
had been able to consult Portuguese documents which today are lost, maps
or accounts of Voyages which would throw light of great value on the
explorations of the Portuguese and the relations they had with the warlike
people of the basin of the Chiré.”98
Coronelli adorned his globe map with very artistic representations of
merchant ships sailing over the ocean highways, and with elaborate pictures
of many naval battles.

It was in the year 1704 that these globes were placed in the royal Château
Marly,99 where they remained until the year 1722, when they were placed in
the old Palace of the Louvre. A final resting place was found for them in the
Royal Library, now known as the Bibliothèque Nationale, in a room
especially constructed to receive them. Recent information from the library
notes that, on account of certain reconstructive work, they have been placed
in an inaccessible part of the building, and cannot be photographed.
The success of this first endeavor to construct globes of large size led other
Princes to entertain the thought of adorning their palaces with similar
productions. It is not known, however, that the great Venetian actually set
himself to the task of duplicating his French masterpieces; we have rather
the assurance, as is noted below, that he thought better of a plan for issuing
globes of smaller size, whose map records should contain practically all he
had been able to include in his large work. The Royal Estense Library of
Modena possesses a manuscript, cited by Fiorini, which assures us that
Coronelli had been approached with a proposition to construct for Francis II
of Modena a pair of globes equal in size to those he had prepared for the
French King. This document reads: “Rispondendo il P.r̄ e Cosmografo
Coronelli alii di lei questiti per la fabbrica delli globi, gli dice, che il farà
tanto grandi, quanta sarà la capacità della stanza, e bisognando fabbricare
anco una stanza dentro del Globo, resta solo che il Principe che la desidera,
habbia curiosità e volontà do spendere; limitandosi però il P. Cosmografo
alia grandezza di Globi di diametro di quindici piedi, dice, che per il solo
pagamento di materiali, e degli Artifici, si ricercano ducento doppie; che per
delineare la Geografia, scriveri, collocarvi le stelle, ed assegnare il luogo
alle figure vi vorrà di spesa quattrocento doppie. Per accomodare il luogo
che sia capace per la fabrica delli Globi di questa grandezza, vi vogliono
cinquanta doppie. Per gli ornamenti della Pittura, Miniatura, Scultura, et
altri, si potrà fare quella spesa che parerà più propria al Principe, che
desidera; mentre in questi si può o meno. E perchè il Principe conosca il
genio dell’ autore in questa materia, osserverà nella picciolezza delle due
mostre, ch’esibisce, confrontandole colle migliori carte, di qual perfetione e
pulizia sarebbe questa di quindici piedi. Il P. Coronelli per ricompensa
desidera una pensione annua sua vita durante di quella soma che parerà
propria alia generosità del Principe. S’aggiunge, un quinternetto della
supputazione delle stelle d’Orione, perchè il Principe osservi

l’accrescimento delle stelle di questa costellazione, come sono accresciute
di gran numero tutte le altro del Globo del Cielo del P. Coronelli.” “Father
Coronelli, in reply to your questions regarding the construction of the
globes which you say you wish to have made as large as the capacity of the
room will allow, and with space in the globe itself, says that all that is
necessary is to know how much his Excellency the Prince should wish to
expend. However Father Coronelli limits himself to the construction of
globes of fifteen feet in diameter, for which the cost of the material alone
and of the workmanship is two hundred doubloons. For outlining the
geographical map, for the proper placing of the stars, and the representation
of the figures, the cost will be four hundred doubloons. To arrange a place
for globes of this size another fifty doubloons will be necessary. For the
decorations, the miniatures and engravings His Excellency can spend as
much as he desires. In order that His Excellency the Prince may appreciate
the great genius of the author in this matter, he will please take note of the
two small globes which he exhibits, (and think) how perfect and attractive
those fifteen feet in diameter will be in comparison with the best of maps.
Father Coronelli desires, as compensation, an annual pension for life, such
sum as His Excellency the Prince considers sufficiently generous. We
enclose an account showing the representation of the stars of Orion, in order
that the Prince may note the increase in the number of the stars in this
constellation, and also note how all of the other constellations as
represented on the globe of Father Coronelli show an increase in the
number of stars.”100 There is no evidence known that this work was actually
undertaken by our Venetian globe maker, the presumption being that the
matter did not receive further consideration.
As an expression of appreciation for the honors shown to him by the
Academy of the Argonauts, Coronelli decided to issue his Paris globes
reduced in size, choosing a diameter of three and one half feet or about 107
cm. instead of fifteen feet. His globes, therefore, of the year 1688 were the
largest to date in which engraved gore maps had been employed in
construction. In one of his legends he thus alludes to the Academy. “Il genio
della virtù raccomanda all’eternità il nome di Cesare Cardinale
eminentissimo d’Estrées, Duca e Pari Francia, mentre fece elaborare per
Ludovico il Magno dal P. Coronelli due gran Globi l’idea dei quali ha poi
epilogata in questi per l’Accademia cosmografica degli Argonauti. L’anno

MDCLXXXVIII.” “The genius of virtue commends to posterity the name
of Cesar, most eminent Cardinal d’Estrées, Duke and Peer of France, since
he had constructed for Louis the Great by P. Coronelli two large globes, the
idea of which he then summarized herewith for the Cosmographical
Academy of the Argonauts. In the year 1688.” The dedication, the same as
that on the celestial globe, reads as follows: “Alla Serenissima Republica e
Serinissimo Principe Francesco Morosini Doge di Venezia Capitan Gen: de
Mare. Vincenzo Coronelli M. C. Suddito Cosmografo e Lettore publico.”
“To the Most Serene Republic and the Most Serene Prince Francesco
Morosini, Doge of Venice, Captain General of the Sea, by Vincenzo
Coronelli M. C., the above mentioned cosmographer and public reader.”
Placed below this legend in a cartouch containing the portrait of the author
is the inscription “P. V. Coronelli M. C. Cosmografo Publico.” There is an
inscription on the celestial globe which reads, “Si presentano a V. Serenità li
Globi del Mondo, Teatro delle cospicue attioni de’ Principi, perchè mentre
corre il terzo decimo secolo (ch’è quasi la quarta parte della vita d’esso) ne’
quali la Serenissima Republica agisse ugualmente e collo splendore delle
lettre e col luminoso dell’armi, Vede l’Universale delle genti col mezzo di
Stampa così reguardevole sin dove si vada sempre più estendendo la gloria
del Veneto Nome. Quella che se ne assume l’Accademia Cosmografica
degli Argonauti nella presente dedicazione e chi vive di V. V. Coronelli
Cosmografo della medesima.” “There are hereby presented to Your Serene
Highness these globes of the world, the scene of the remarkable deeds of
Princes, in order that while the thirteenth century is passing (which makes
nearly a fourth part of the life of the world) wherein the Most Serene
Republic has proceeded equally with the splendor of letters and the
brilliancy of arms may be seen by the universality of the races; by means of
this so important publication however there is more widely spread the glory
of the Venetian name; of which glory a portion is assumed by the
Cosmographical Academy of the Argonauts, in the present dedication, and
by him who lives by our permission, Coronelli, Cosmographer of the
same.”
The author selected the year 1700 as that in which to indicate the 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.

Fig. 112. Terrestrial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli, 1688.

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.

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.

Fig. 115. Terrestrial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli, 1696.

Fig. 115a. Terrestrial Globe of P. Vincenzo Coronelli, 1693.

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. m̄ 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. m̄ 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 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. sum̄ 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.

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.

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 365¼ 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.

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 10½ 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 XVI133 Jahrhundert. (In: Zeitschrift für Mathematik und Physik.

Leipzig, 1868. Sup. Heft. pt. 1.); Allgemeine deutsche Biographia, “Weigel, Erhard.”
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,134 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.)135
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 diameter with feet and with meridisns 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.136 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.

Chapter XII

Globes and Globe Makers of the First Half of the
Eighteenth Century—from Delisle to Ferguson
Activities of Guillaume Delisle.—Jean Dominique Cassini and his reforms.—Vincenzo Miot.—
The globes of Gerhard and Leonhard Valk.—Activities of John Senex.—Nicolas Bion.—The
armillary sphere of Carmelo Cartilia.—Mattheus Seutter of Augsburg.—Robert Morden.—
Jean Antoine Nollet.—Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr of Nürnberg.—Terrestrial globe of
Cusani.—Terrestrial globes of Siena.—The work of the monk Pietro Maria da Vinchio.—
James Ferguson of Scotland.

A
MONG the numerous globe makers of the eighteenth century,
there are few, if any, entitled to rank with Blaeu or Hondius, with
Greuter or Coronelli of the seventeenth. There was much written
during the period, it is true, on the value of globes in geographical and
astronomical studies, and there were many globes constructed, of which a
very considerable number still have a place in our libraries, museums, and
private collections.
With the improvements in scientific map construction, improvements
amounting to a complete reformation, and ushered in during the closing
years of the seventeenth century and the opening years of the eighteenth, by
such men as Riccioli, Picard, Cassini, and Delisle, not to mention a number
of their distinguished immediate predecessors and contemporaries, the last
above-named working through the patronage of the Royal Academy of
Science of France,117—with these improvements there appears to have been
a decline in the relative value which the late sixteenth and the seventeenth
centuries set upon globes. Once regarded as an essential part of a seaman’s
instruments for use in navigation, they gave place, just as the portolan chart
of the earlier day gave place, to an improved sailor’s chart. Globe makers,
however, of this period, such as Delisle and Bion, as Gerhard and Leonhard
Valk, as Vaugondy and Fortin, as Ferguson and Adams, have an honorable
place in the history of globes and of globe construction.
France was leading at the turn of the seventeenth century in the field of
geographical and astronomical science, a fact in part due to the generous
subsidy allowed by royalty. Guillaume Delisle (1675-1726), perhaps the

greatest among the reformers active in these years in improving the
methods of map construction, was a native of Paris, in which city he passed
practically his entire life.118 The father, Claude Delisle, famous as a teacher
of history and geography, inspired in his son a particular love for the latter
subject, or perhaps this may the better be referred to as a love for historical
geography. The period was one in which there was much emphasis placed
upon the relationship existing between the two branches of study, and it is
interesting to note that this phase of geographical study is again coming into
favor.119
Doubtless it was in part the influence of Cassini’s teaching which found
expression in Delisle’s lifelong efforts to eliminate the numerous errors
which he had found existing in the maps of his day, efforts which even in
his early life won for him distinction as a map maker. In the year 1700,
when he was but twenty-five years of age, there appeared under his name a
world map and likewise maps of the several continents.120 In these there
was exhibited much originality, they being constructed in the main on the
basis of astronomical observations which had been made at the Royal
Academy. Hitherto the Ptolemaic cartography had exerted an overpowering
influence. Errors in the location of places still remained on the maps,
attributable in large part to that ancient cosmographer, who continued for so
long a period a most influential teacher of geography and map making after
the renaissance of his ‘Cosmographia’ in the early fifteenth century. Among
the greatest errors still to be found in the maps in Delisle’s day was the
excessive length given to the Mediterranean, this being about sixty-two
degrees of longitude instead of its correct length, which is about forty-two,
and the extension of Asia much too far to eastward, together with other
errors following upon these.121 Delisle, having the support of the Royal
Academy, and of the King himself, was able to carry through the reforms in
map construction, the fundamental principles of which, it is true, had been
suggested before his day, based upon such astronomical observations as
were those of Cassini, Picard, and La Hire, wherein there had been an
attempt to determine the exact location in longitude of important places on
the earth’s surface and wherein they had been aided by the use of the
telescope. Through the employment of this instrument they were able to fix
the exact time of eclipses and determine the time of the transit of the moons
of Jupiter.122 In the ‘Journal des Savants’ of the year 1700 is given a letter

addressed to the engraver and map maker, Nolin, and signed “Delisle.” In
this there is reference to a manuscript globe of the year 1696, the
implication being that Guillaume was its author.123 The probability is that
we have here a letter written by Claude, the father, it being hardly probable
that the son drafted a globe map at the age of twenty-one. We, however,
know, as before stated, that he achieved great distinction through the maps
he published in the year 1700, when he was but twenty-five, and we are
also informed that even at the age of eight he attracted attention to himself
through the maps he drew to illustrate ancient history.
In the same year that he published his epoch-making maps he issued the
first edition of his globes, those having a diameter of about 31 cm. and
those having a diameter of about 15 cm. The globe balls were constructed
of papier-mâché covered with plaster over which were pasted the gore
maps, each map composed of twelve parts with the usual polar discs. The
engraver, we are told, in a brief legend on the terrestrial globe, was Carolus
Simonneau, “Car. Simon. del. et sculpsit.” On the larger of the terrestrial
globes is the title legend “Globe terrestre dressé sur les observations de
l’Académie Royale des sciences et autres mémoires,” and a dedication
reading, “À Son Altesse Royale Monseigneur Le Duc de Chartres. Par son
très humble et très obéissant serviteur G. De l’Isle Géographie. Berey
sculpsit.”
The celestial globe bears the title, “Globe céleste calculé pour l’an 1700.
Sur les observations les plus récents. Par. G. De l’Isle Géographe,” and is
dedicated “À Son Altesse Royale Monseigneur le Duc de Chartres. Par son
très humble et très obéissant Serviteur De l’Isle,” with the following
reference to the privilege “À Paris Chez l’Auteur sur le Quai de l’Horologe
à la Couronne de Diamans. Avec Privilége du Roy pour 20 ans. 1700.”
While it has not been possible to obtain a detailed description of Delisle’s
globe maps, they are referred to as giving practically the same information
as his plane maps, many of the latter to be found in our important library
collections, and cannot be considered rare.124
The several constellations which he has represented on his celestial globes
are those of Ptolemy to which have been added two in the northern
hemisphere and thirteen in the southern, and the year chosen for the

representation of the position of the stars is 1700. In general the names
chosen for the several constellations are French, though a few are in Latin.
A pair of Delisle’s globes may be found in the Königliches Museum of
Cassel, dated 1709; a pair dated 1700 in the Museo di Strumenti Antichi of
Florence, and a terrestrial globe dated 1700 in the Real Biblioteca of
Madrid (Fig. 118).

Fig. 118. Terrestrial Globe of Guillaume Delisle, 1700.

Fig. 118a. Terrestrial Globe of Johann Ludovicus Andreae, 1717.

Weigel, Castlemaine, Coronelli, and Treffler, as has been noted, represented
a tendency in globe construction in their day which we have referred to as
the ultrapractical. It was impossible that their ideas should find anything
like a general acceptance and approval. A globe eleven or fifteen feet in
diameter, in the better judgment of astronomers and geographers, could not
be counted as possessing superior scientific value, and globes of such
dimensions seem only to have won the praise of the novelty-loving
contemporaries, and the same general criticism may be passed upon the
smaller globes of Castlemaine and Treffler. Perhaps, however, one may well
add that in all this a desire was expressing itself for improvement in globe
construction.
In this connection attention may be called to a plan for reform in globe
making proposed by Jean Dominique Cassini (1625-1712), one of the most
famous astronomers of the period.125 Cassini was a native of Périnaldo,
Italy (Fig. 119). Early in life he became interested in the study of
astronomy, and at the age of twenty-five received an appointment as
professor of this science at the University of Bologna. Recommended by
Colbert as one worthy his royal master’s patronage, Cassini in 1669
accepted the invitation of Louis XIV to fill the chair of astronomy in the
Collège de France, a position once held by Pierre Gassendi.126 In 1671 he
became the director of the Royal Observatory of Paris, a position held in
succession by four generations of his family. To him we owe the
determination of the rotation periods of Jupiter, Venus, and Mars, the
discovery of four of Saturn’s satellites and the determination of their
periods of revolution. He devoted much time and study to the problem of
the obliquity of the ecliptic, to the precession of the equinoxes,127 and to the
determination of the latitude and longitude of places.128 This precession, he
found, could not be represented on a celestial globe such as hitherto had
been constructed, and he set himself to the task of devising one on a new
plan. The position of the constellations, as indicated on the ordinary
celestial globe, he, as others, noted would soon be found to be inaccurate.
What he proposed was a globe capable of such adjustment as to obviate this
difficulty; in other words, he proposed the construction of a globe by means
of which this perpetual change might be indicated, or one which would
serve to indicate the position of the several constellations at any time, past,
present or future.

Fig. 119. Portrait of Jean Dominique Cassini.

Fig. 123. Portrait of Nicolas Bion.

It was to Nicolas Bion, map and globe maker of Paris that the astronomer
Cassini entrusted the manufacture of such an instrument, and it is from him
that we have a brief description of its peculiar features.129 He tells us that
the sphere on which the several constellations were represented was

enclosed within a number of armillae representing the celestial circles, that
is, the colures, the ecliptic, the tropics, the equator, and the polar circles.
This inner sphere was attached to a meridian circle at the poles of its
equator, within which circle it turned as the ordinary sphere, and it was also
attached to the same meridian at the poles of the ecliptic. Around this polar
axis of the ecliptic the sphere, with the attached meridian, could be made to
revolve, the pole of the equator in its revolution tracing a circle having a
radius of twenty-three and a half degrees, a complete revolution being made
to represent a period of twenty-five thousand two hundred years, or the time
required for the complete precession of the equinox according to his
reckoning. This pole in its circle of revolution could be immovably set at
any desired point to represent any time past or future, and the sphere then
revolved around the pole of the equator. The several stars or constellations
could thus be represented in their proper position for the time selected.
Bion’s reference to this globe seems to assure us that he completed its
construction, yet no trace of it has been left, unless we have such in a record
to be found in the history of the Royal Academy for the year 1727. In this
we find that a globe constructed on the principle laid down by Cassini was
presented to the Academy, in the year designated, by Outhier, a priest of
Besançon.130 This globe, which has disappeared, had the double
movements, one about the axis of the equator and one about the axis of the
ecliptic. It was a globe which would represent the daily and annual
movements of the sun, the difference between the true and the mean time,
the movements of the moon and its phases, the eclipses, and the passing of
the several fixed stars across the meridian.
Vincenzo Miot, a little-known Italian globe maker of the early eighteenth
century, holds a place among the men who were interested in this field,
through one extant example of his work, this being a small celestial, having
a diameter of about 17 cm.131 Its author and date legend reads, “Sphaera
Mundi majoribus et minoribus circulis distincta praecipuisque stellis in
nostro Horizonte conspicuis ornata ad annum 1710. Studio et opera D.
Vincentio Miot.” “World globe marked by large and small circles, and
adorned with the principal stars visible in our horizon calculated for the
year 1710. By the learning and labor of D. Vincentio Miot.” The sphere is
covered with an engraved map showing the several constellations and the
principal celestial circles. Its twelve segments are fashioned to terminate at

the poles of the ecliptic, instead of at the poles of the equator, a practice not
uncommon. The globe has a simple mounting of wood, is reported to be in
good condition, and may be found in the Liceo Marco Foscarini of Venice,
to which library it came, in the year 1807, from the Convent of S. Georgio
Maggiore.
It is not a little surprising that our information is so meager concerning men
as active in the field of map and globe making as were Gerhard and
Leonhard Valk in the latter part of the seventeenth and early eighteenth
century. We cannot be certain of their relationship; apparently they were not
brothers, as has been sometimes stated. If there is not left to us a
biographical word by any admiring or appreciative contemporary of these
praiseworthy Netherlanders, there is extant a very considerable amount of
their work which warrants our giving them rank well toward the van of
those interested in their particular field. Of the two, Gerhard seems to have
been the more prominent, his name very frequently appearing as the
engraver or maker of many of the maps one finds in the collective atlases of
the early eighteenth century.132 With Leonhard he was the maker of globes,
large and small, ranging from about 7 cm. to 46 cm. in diameter, of which a
very considerable number may still be found in our libraries and museums.
In an undated work published by Gerhard on the uses of celestial and
terrestrial globes,133 he tells us of the improvements he introduced, noting
that he had attempted to give the location of the stars on his celestial globe
as late as 1700, while on those issued prior to his own, the dates selected
were in general 1640 or 1660. The suggestion contained herein is that he at
least began the construction of his globes as early as 1700, although none
are now known bearing date so early.134 There appears to be an example of
his work in the University Library of Ghent, dated 1707, but a description
of this it has not been possible to obtain. The date most commonly found on
the Valk globes is 1750, all of which, if correctly dated, were issued long
after their death.
The Hispanic Society of America possesses three pairs of the Valk globes,
each apparently dated 1750, though in some instances, as noted below,
these dates have been altered by skilfully cutting out the last two figures of
the original and inserting the number 50. The diameter of each of the largest
pair is 46 cm. (Fig. 120). Each is supplied with a graduated meridian circle

of brass, the celestial being furnished with a brass hour circle and pointer,
and the terrestrial with a brass quadrant of altitude. Each is further furnished
with a broad horizon circle of wood on which has been pasted an engraved
paper giving the names of the signs of the zodiac, the various chronological
signs, such as golden numbers, epacta, and dominical letters, the names of
the months, and points of the compass, including both the old and the new
nomenclature for the directions of winds, as “Borro Lybicus” or “Noord-
West,” “Zephyrus” or “West.” The under supports of the globes consist in
each instance of four turned columns attached at their lower extremities by
crossbars on which rests a circular turned plate 42 cm. in diameter. From
the center of these plates rises a post 10 cm. in length through a notch in
which the brass meridian circle is made to pass in moving the globes to an
adjustment for any desired altitude. The gores of each are twelve in number,
those of the terrestrial globe having an equatorial mounting while those of
the celestial globe have an ecliptic mounting, that is, the meridian lines pass
from pole to pole of the ecliptic instead of from pole to pole of the equator.
In each, the gores have been truncated twenty degrees from the poles, the
polar space being covered by circular discs. The engraving of both the
terrestrial and the celestial map is exquisitely done, and much of the color
originally applied by hand yet remains. The several figures representing the
constellations are copies of the figures as represented by Hevelius in his
‘Prodromus Astronomiae,’ and reference to this great astronomer is made in
the title legend quoted below. These figures are among the most artistic
representations to be found on any of the globes of the period, which the
author is preparing to reissue in facsimile as a by-product of these globe
studies. (Fig. 120a.)

Fig. 120. Terrestrial Globe of Gerhard and Leonhard Valk, 1750 (?).

Fig. 120a. Southern Hemisphere of Celestial Globe by Gerhard and Leonhard Valk, with Author and
Date Legend, 1750 (?).

Between the constellations “Cetus” and “Phoenix” on the celestial globe is
a cartouch which appears to have been pasted over an older title, reading,
“Uranographia Syderum et Stelarum in Singulis Syderibus conspicuarum,
exhibens Delineatonem accuratissimam qua ex observationibus Astronomi
plane Singularis Johannis Hevelii usque ad finem anni MDCC emendata
est. Nova praeterea methodo additus est ex mente Lotharii Zumbach M.D.
et Mathem. Cearis Horizon ad Meridianum Amstelaedamensem accurate
per annos plures quam ducentos Lunae Syzygias indicans praeter annos
communes et bissextiles. Opera et Studio Gerhardi et Leonhardi Valk
Amstelaedamensium 17[50].” “Uranography of the constellations and of the
single stars, exhibiting an accurate delineation (of the same) corrected from
the observations of the renowned astronomer Johannes Hevelius, and
conformed to the year 1700. Besides a new method is added, the invention
of Lothar Zumbach, M. D., and a renowned mathematician, accurately
exhibiting the horizon on the meridian of Amsterdam for more than 200
years, also the changes of the moon in addition to the common years and
leap years. By the learning and the labor of Gerhard and Leonhard Valk,
citizens of Amsterdam, 1750.”
Near the constellation Argo appears the dedication to the Burgomaster of
Amsterdam and President of the East India Company, Johannes Trip J. U.
D. (1664-1732). In this there is, of course, conclusive evidence that the
globe must have been made before the year 1732. The dedication reads,
“Viro amplissima dignitate ac meritorum Splendore, conspicuo Johanni Trip
J. U. D. Reipublicae Amstelaedamensis Consuli Gravissimo, Societatis
Indiae Orientalis Moderatori integerrimo Toparchae in Berkenroden
iustissimo & hanc Universi Orbis Terrarum Faciem eâ quâ par est reverentia
D. D. D. Gerhardus et Leonhardus Valk.” “To John Tripp J. U. D., Consul
of the Amsterdam Republic, President of the East India Company, the
upright and honorable magistrate of Berkenrode, a man conspicuous by
reason of his great worth and the splendor of his achievements, this globe is
dedicated with reverence which is befitting by Gerhard and Leonhard
Valk.”

Near the first legend has been pasted the following brief printed statement,
“Propter motum, Stellarum fixarum versus ortum post annum 1750
additione 3/4 gr. Correctio Longitudinum ut instituatur monendus
Uranophilus.” “Because of the movement of the fixed stars toward the east
since the year 1750, the student of astronomy is advised to correct the
longitude by the addition of 3/4 of a degree.” The terrestrial globe map,
composed of eighteen gores, is filled with interesting geographical details,
with geographical names and brief explanatory legends, being a fine
example of the superior cartographical work published in that century in the
Netherlands. There is something of an exaggeration in the representation by
waving line of the several coasts and river courses, all of which appears to
have been done for artistic effect rather than for a desire to be strictly
accurate. In the New World we find such regional names as “Penn-
Sylvania,” the first part of the name being north of Lake Ontario, also
“Carolina,” “Virginia,” “Belgia Nova,” “Anglia,” “Scotia Nova.” Many
provincial names are given in South America with boundary lines drawn.
California is represented as an island, stretching northward to “Fretum
Aniani.” To the west of this stretches as far as the northeast coast of Asia,
through about seventy-five degrees of longitude with definitely drawn
southern coast line but extending indefinitely northward, a continental
region bearing the legend “Terra incognita sive terra Esonis.” Loxodromic
lines are represented as on the best globes of the period radiating from
numerous compass roses located along the meridians 0 degrees, 180
degrees, and 270 degrees. Frobisher’s Strait is strangely duplicated at the
southern extremity of Greenland. The title legend of this terrestrial globe,
placed in the southern Pacific, reads, “Universi Orbis Terrarum Facies cum
industria ac fide Secundum certissimas et novissimas Praestantissimiorum
Geographorum Observationes denuo luci exposita; cuique praeterea
longitudinis et latitudinis gradus Secundum Uranographiam novam, ac
proinde &c. rei veritate sunt inscripti per Gerhardum et Leonhardum Valk,
Amstelaedamenses 1750, cum privilegio.” “A representation of the land of
the whole earth exhibited with industry and accuracy according to the most
reliable and the most recent observations of the most renowned
geographers, on which, in addition the degrees of latitude and longitude
according to a new method and also in accord with truth, have been inserted
by Gerhard and Leonhard Valk. Amsterdam. 1750. With privilege.”

In the second pair of Valk globes belonging to The Hispanic Society of
America (Fig. 121), both terrestrial and celestial have diameters of about 30
cm. The mounting of these globes is practically the same as that in the
larger pair. An author and date legend appearing in the Pacific to the west of
South America reads: “Cosmotheore. Coelesti nostro Globo, Par et plane
Novus. Hic Terrestris Ut existeret: certo facias: Errore Veterum Sublatô,
Non tantum Utrisque Orbis Longitudines ac Latitudines, per reiteratas
Neotericorum Observationes. Hiccè esse restitutas; Sed et nullum typis
Emendatiorum pro diisse, Hoc igitur Novissimô tam diu fruere, Donec, sub
Majori forma, Meō aere Alios excudemus. Ger. et Leon. Valk Calcographi
Amstelaedami. Revis. A o 1750 Cum Privilegio.” “Cosmotherium. That this
terrestrial globe might equal (be a companion to) our celestial globe and
entirely new, be assured that after correcting the errors of those who have
preceded us, not only the longitudes and latitudes of each sphere have been
corrected by the repeated observations of later astronomers, but likewise no
(globe) has appeared more carefully corrected in the printing. This most
recent globe therefore make use of until in a larger form at my own expense
we Gerhard and Leonhard Valk, engravers shall construct others.
Amsterdam. Revised to the year 1750. With privilege.”

Fig. 121. Terrestrial Globe of Gerhard and Leonhard Valk, 1750 (?).

A dedication, such as appears on the first pair referred to, is wanting. There
is no particular improvement to be noted in this revision. California is still
laid down as an island. The uncertainty as to the outline of “Holandia
Nova” is a striking feature, as is the omission of an austral continent.
Geographical details are less numerous than in the larger pair, but in the
matter of the engraving of the map it exhibits practically the same
characteristics.

The celestial globe map has the author and date legend placed near the
constellation “Cetus.” It reads, “Uranographia Coelum omne hic
Complectens, illa pro ut aucta, et ad annum 1750 Completum MAGNO ab
HEVELIO correcta est; ita ejus ex Prototypis, sua noviter haec Ectypa veris
Astronomiae cultoribus exhibet et consecrant GER. et LEON. VALK,
Amstelaedamenses. Cum Privilegio.” “Star-Map comprising the entire
heavens according as it has been corrected to the end of the year 1750 by
the Great Hevelius; so from his prototype Gerhard and Leonhard Valk
present and dedicate these their own recent copies to the true lovers of
astronomy. With privilege.”
Near this legend, now appearing as a part of the original engraving, is that
which, in the larger globe referred to above, had been pasted on as a
separate slip, reading “Propter motum ... Uranophilus.” Near the
constellation “Hydra” is the legend reading “Monitum Novis hisce Sphaeris
Novissimus. Ex praescripto Lotharii Zum-Bach Med. Doct. unus, et alter
additus Horizon: Quorum Is, qui huic Caelesti singularis, Praeter
Communes atque Bissextilem, Ut exactior, Luminarium indigetur Locus ad
Meridianum Amstelodamens. Plus quam per Ducentos Annos, Suis
Mensium Diebus Appositas Lunae Syzygias, Mediô Tempore Medias,
Ingeniosâ Methodō et eruit, et exhibet.” “Notice. To these our spheres, in
accord with the directions of Lothar Zum-Bach, Doctor of Medicine, there
has been added one very recent, and also a second horizon; of these two the
one which belongs to the celestial globe has in addition the common and
bissextile years, in order that the location of the stars may the more exactly
be discovered; it both works out and exhibits by an ingenious method,
according to the meridian of Amsterdam, over a space of more than two
hundred years the syzygies of the moon placed opposite their proper days of
the month, the middle ones being in the middle time.”
Each of these globes is well preserved, the colors originally applied
remaining particularly bright in the southern hemispheres, these being
better protected from light and from injuries incident to the more exposed
upper surfaces.
In the third pair of Valk globes belonging to The Hispanic Society (Fig.
121a) the diameter of each is about 23 cm. In geographical details, in
legends, etc., each of these agrees with the preceding second pair. It is,

however, to be noted that the date on the terrestrial globe has the figure 50
appearing in the date 1750 skilfully inserted after the removal of the
original, and that the loxodromic lines are on this more numerous; indeed, it
is one of the most interesting globes examined for the representation of
these lines, which become curiously, but necessarily, somewhat intricate in
their crossings as they approach the poles. Of the three pairs of these globes
referred to above, this third pair seems to be the best preserved; the only
injury to be especially noted is that appearing on the celestial, this being a
crack in the surface extending from pole to pole. The original colors in each
are particularly well preserved.
In addition to the examples of Valk globes referred to above as belonging to
the University of Ghent and to The Hispanic Society of America, a pair may
be found in the Königliches Museum of Cassel, said by Gerland to be dated
1715, and to have each a diameter of 45 cm., also a terrestrial globe in the
same museum said to be dated, though doubtless erroneously, 1700, and to
have a diameter of 23 cm., also a celestial globe of the same date having a
diameter of 30 cm. In the Mathematische Salon of Dresden is a celestial
globe having a diameter of 30 cm., and a pair in the Museo di Fisica of
Bologna, the diameter of each being about 46 cm. The date has not been
ascertained. In the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of Nürnberg may be
found a well-preserved pair of the Valk globes said to be dated 1700 and to
have each a diameter of 31 cm.

Fig. 121a. Celestial Globe of Gerhard and Leonhard Valk, 1750 (?).

John Senex, a noted English cartographer and engraver (d. 1749),135
appears to have given some attention to the construction of globes, which
were sold at his establishment in Salisbury Court, London. In the year 1714
we find his name associated with that of John Maxwell in the issue of ‘The
English Atlas,’ and in 1721 he appears as the editor of ‘A New General
Atlas.’ It was in the year 1720 that he made a representation to the House of

Commons on the subject of “A New Globular Projection,” with the thought
of eliciting encouragement for the employment of better methods in map
construction. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1728, and in
1738 read before that society a noted paper on his “Contrivance to make the
Poles of the Diurnal Motion in a Celestial Globe pass round the Poles of the
Ecliptic.” This globe was to be “so adjusted as to exhibit not only the
risings and the settings of the stars in all ages and in all latitudes, but the
other phenomena likewise, that depend upon the motion of the diurnal axis
round the annual axis.” From what is stated in this paper one is led to
associate his idea with that of Cassini, to which attention was directed
above. If, however, such a globe was constructed as that referred to in this
scientific address it is not now known. Five of his globes have been located,
two of them undated, and three of them dated 1793, which, if the correct
date of issue, it will be noted, is more than fifty years after his death. A pair
of his globes may be found in the Bibliothèque Nationale of Paris undated.
These are reported as having a diameter of about 40 cm. They are furnished
with brass meridian circles, with horizon circles of wood, and each with a
wooden base. The dedication reads: “Philosopho ac Geometrae summo D o
Isaaco Newton, equiti, Regalis Societatis Londini, ad scientias
promovendas institutae, Praesidi dignissimo, ejusdemque consilio et
sodalibus hos Globos qua par est humilitate D.D. C. Johannes Senex.
London.” “To the great philosopher and geometrician Sir Isaac Newton,
Knight, most worthy President of the Royal Society of London, for the
promotion of knowledge, and to the Committee and Members of the same
Society these globes with befitting humility are dedicated by C. John Senex.
London.” Further descriptive details of these globes it has not been possible
to obtain.
The Biblioteca Real of Madrid possesses a terrestrial globe by Senex (Fig.
122), which bears the title legend, “A new and most correct Globe of the
Earth laid down from the latest observations from the most judicious
astronomers, navigators, & travelers, by John Senex, F. R. S. Now made
and sold by Dudley Adams (only)136 with all the latest discoveries together
with many new improvements etc. 1793.” This globe has a diameter of
about 40 cm., is furnished with a broad band which serves as a horizon
circle, a meridian circle of brass within which it is made to revolve, and a
tripod base. Its three fluted support columns are strengthened in their

position by three curved iron braces which carry at their juncture a short
carved post, through a slot in which the brass meridian is movable. While
the surface of the sphere is somewhat injured, being crossed by numerous
cracks, the engraved map is fairly legible in all of its parts.

Fig. 122. Terrestrial Globe of John Senex, 1793.

The British Museum likewise possesses one of Senex’s terrestrial globes,
which seems to be practically like that to be found in the Madrid Library.
It will have been noted that many of those reputed to have been globe
makers in these early years did not actually apply themselves to the
constructive mechanical work, this being passed over to skilled artisans, to
workers in metal and wood, to engravers and to mathematical instrument
makers, who, if possessing generally recognized ability, often insisted on
having their names associated in the author legends with the real authors of
the globes. Nicolas Bion (1652-1733) may be cited as an excellent example
of such a skilful workman, achieving in his day great distinction as a globe
maker.137 He seems not to have thought of himself as one meriting special
honors as geographer, cartographer or astronomer (Fig. 123). By reason of
his marked abilities, exhibited in the manufacture of mathematical
instruments, he was honored by his royal patron with the title Engineer of
the King for Mathematical Instruments. Through his principal work,138 a
treatise on the construction and uses of globes in which the subject is
treated in both a theoretical and a practical manner, he is entitled to rank
with the leaders of the century in this particular field of scientific endeavor.
True to the spirit of the age Bion gave much thought to the idea of reform in
the matter of globe construction, especially in the matter of fashioning
globe gores and their attachment to the surface of the sphere. He seems to
have prospered in his business, and we are told by his son that he
constructed numerous armillary spheres, likewise many terrestrial and
celestial globes of various sizes. Reference is made above to a task assigned
to him by the great astronomer, Cassini.139
A few of the globes of this distinguished man have been located. Fiorini
reports140 that one of his celestial globes may be found in the private library
of Count Malvezzi de’ Medici of Bologna, having a diameter of about 32
cm. Its twelve gores have been cut at latitude 70 degrees both north and
south, the polar spaces being covered by four sectors instead of by the usual
circular disc. The globe is made to revolve on its equatorial axis, not on the
axis of the ecliptic. It has a simple mounting, including a meridian circle of
brass and a horizon circle of wood. Star names are given in French and in
Latin. The dedication reads, “Dédié et présenté à Monseigneur le Dauphin
par son très humble et très obéissant Bion,” but there appears to be some

uncertainty about the date, which is probably between 1700 and 1710.
There is one of Bion’s terrestrial globes dated 1712 and dedicated to
“Monseigneur le Duc de Berry,” in the Istituto tecnico of Florence, which is
reported to be in a good state of preservation. Loxodromic lines are drawn
on the map in accord with the best practices of the time, which radiate from
wind or compass roses, one being placed on the equator and one at latitude
35 degrees south. A third terrestrial globe made by Bion may be found in
the Osservatorio Astronomico of Rome, which is wanting both dedication
and place of publication.
The Osservatorio Astronomico also possesses a fine armillary sphere, the
work of Carmelo Cartilia,141 the diameter of whose largest or meridian
circle is about 26 cm. It is described by a former director of the observatory
as being made of brass, and a companion of a globe constructed by Bion,
having a similar mounting. The equatorial circle, the tropics, and the colures
have the usual graduation. The ecliptic consists of a band 4 cm. in width,
having engraved on its surface the signs of the zodiac and the days of the
months. At the north pole is attached an hour circle with index. At the
common center of the circles is a small ball 27 mm. in diameter
representing the earth, through which the axis of the ecliptic passes. Around
this small ball is adjusted a circle on which is engraved the word “Luna.”
There is an additional small circle which represents the course of the sun,
and attached to this is a silvered ball to represent that luminary. Circles are
provided representing the planets, on which we find such names as “Marti,”
“Giove,” “Saturno,” and circles around the sun representing the course of
the planets Mercury and Venus. On one of the supporting arms of the sphere
is the author and date legend, reading, “Carmelus Cartilia et Francalancia
Siculus fecit Taurini anno dñi 1720.”
Mattheus Seutter (1678-1756) was a map and globe maker of this period,
whose activities centered in the city of Augsburg.142 His early training as
engraver was received in the establishment of Johann Baptista Homann in
the city of Nürnberg, but in the year 1707 he established himself in his
native city, Augsburg, setting up an independent business for the production
of maps, globes, and mathematical instruments. Seutter holds his place in
the history of cartography not so much by reason of the high quality of the
work done as by reason of the quantity.143 The number of maps, large and

small, battle plans and city plans, charts geneological, chronological, and
heraldic, which he published may be counted by the hundreds, the majority
being modified copies of maps and charts which others had previously
issued. As a reward for the dedication of his large atlas to the Emperor
Charles VI, issued in the year 1725, he was named “Imperial Geographer,”
a title which had been held by Homann until his death in the year 1727.
Following the practice of the more prominent map makers of the period,
Seutter turned his attention to globe construction, and not a few examples of
his work can still be found. Some of his globes were of large size, having a
diameter of about 160 cm. The terrestrial as well as the celestial globe balls
he covered with twelve engraved sections, or twice twelve, these being cut
at the line of the equator, and at latitude sixty-seven both north and south,
the polar space being covered, as was usual, with a circular cap or disc. The
mountings of these globes consist of a wooden meridian circle and a
graduated wooden horizon circle, having each on the upper surface the
usual concentric rings with the names of the months, the names and signs of
the zodiacal constellations, and the names of the principal winds, the whole
being supported by two semicircles attached below to a single columnar
base 28 cm. in length. A brief author legend reads, “Globus terrestris juxta
recentissimas observation: et navigation: peritissimor: Geograph: delineat.
cura et sumptibus Matth. Seutteri Calcogr: August.” “Terrestrial globe
according to the most recent observations and voyages of the most skilled
geographers. Made by the labor and at the expense of Mattheus Seutter
renowned engraver.”
The maps on these globes present no features of special scientific value, the
author following in the main the best contemporary geographical and
astronomical records. It should, however, be noted that he introduced an
improvement in the construction and printing of the circular polar discs. To
the end of remedying the difficulty in attaching this part of the covering,
having observed, as others, that the paper would expand with the
application of paste, and could therefore not be adjusted with the strictest
accuracy and nicety, he conceived the idea of cutting from this disc a very
small section or small sections, so that when it was applied to the sphere
after being moistened with the paste the amount of stretching was sufficient
to cover the space. In other words, he made his circular disc one of 350
degrees instead of one having the full 360 degrees. In this connection, it

might be noted that the quality of the paper was an element always to be
taken into account in calculating the amount of expansion after moistening.
A pair of Seutter’s globes may be found in the Biblioteca Comunale of
Macerata. A copy of the terrestrial is reported in 1892 to have been in the
private library of Professor Maximilian Tono of Venice, a pair in the Museo
Astronomico of Rome (Figs. 124, 125) and also in this museum may be
found a complete set of the gores for one of his terrestrial as well as a set
for one of his celestial globes, but which by Professor Jacoli of Venice have
been thought to be reprints and not originals. A copy of the celestial globe
may be found in the Biblioteca Universitario of Urbino.

Fig. 124. Terrestrial Globe of Mattheus Seutter, 1710.

Fig. 125. Celestial Globe of Mattheus Seutter, 1710.

Fig. 125a. Terrestrial Globe of Van Lauen Zonen, 1745.

Robert Morden,144 active in London in the closing years of the seventeenth
and early years of the eighteenth century as map and globe maker, seems,
however, not to have won for himself a place of particular prominence, his
maps not being held in especially high repute. He was for some time
associated with Thomas Cockrill at “The Sign of the Atlas” in Cornhill.
Morden, however, published a small work on geography and navigation in
the year 1702, in which he attempted to set forth the value attaching to
globes for those interested in the general subject of which he treated in his
work.145 While his map publications are numerous, it has been possible to

locate only the gores of one of his globes, which gores may be found in the
British Museum. Of the twelve sections which made up a complete set for
covering a sphere about 35 cm. in diameter, but nine remain, three having
disappeared.
Jean Antoine Nollet, a French physicist (1700-1770), was a man of science
held in high esteem in his day.146 In his early years he entered the College
of Clermont, later studied philosophy at the University of Paris, where,
against the wishes of his parents, he finally turned his attention to the study
of the natural sciences, particularly to experimental physics. Early in his
career he was honored with membership in the Royal Academy of Sciences
of Paris and in other similar organizations in Europe. In the year 1739 he
was called to the Court of Sardinia, where he gave lessons in physics to the
Duke of Savoy. Later he was called to the University of Turin, and was here
especially honored by having his name associated with those who were the
founders of the institution. In the year 1753 he was called to the chair of
physics at the College of Navarre, which position he so acceptably filled
that he received the title Master of Physics and of Natural History for the
Royal Children of France. His published works, which are very numerous,
treat of his studies in the physical sciences, particularly in the field of
electricity.
Nollet’s instruments, made for use in the study of the physical sciences,
included terrestrial and celestial globes, six of which have been located,
dated 1728 and 1730. The spheres are of papier-mâché, having each a
diameter of about 35 cm.147 The engraved maps covering the spheres are
composed of twelve gores, which are cut at the line of the equator but
extend to the poles, omitting therefore the usual polar circular discs. Each is
furnished with a horizon circle of wood, on the surface of which is the usual
paper covering with the names of the principal directions, of the zodiacal
constellations, and of the names of the months in concentric circles. Each
also has a graduated meridian circle, the whole resting on a base of four
turned and rather artistically fashioned columns.
His terrestrial globes have the following title: “Globe terrestre dressé sur les
observations les plus nouvelles et le plus exactes approuvées par M rs de
l’Académie Royale des sciences. À Paris avec privilège du Roi. Monté par
l’auteur.” “Terrestrial globe made according to the most recent and the most

exact and approved observations by the Royal Academy of Sciences. Paris,
with the approval of the King. Made by the author.” The dedication reads
“Dédié et présenté à S. A. Madame La Duchesse du Maine par son très-
humble et très-obéissant serviteur Nollet Lic. en Théologie. 1728.”
“Dedicated and presented to Her Highness the Duchess of Maine by her
very humble and very obedient servant Nollet Licentiate in Theology.
1728.” Numerous inscriptions relate to well-known geographical
discoveries. Meridian and parallel circles are drawn on the globe at
intervals of five degrees, the principal ones, including the equator, the
tropics, and polar circles, being made especially prominent. The prime
meridian, passing through the Island of Ferro, is designated “premier
méridien de l’Isle Fer. Déclaration du Roi Louis XIII du Juil. 1634.”
The celestial globe is titled “Globe céleste calculé pour l’année 1730 sur les
observations les plus nouvelles et les plus exactes. À Paris avec privilège du
Roi. Bailleul le jeune sculpsit. Monté par l’auteur.” “Celestial globe
calculated to the year 1730 according to the most recent and the most exact
observations. Paris, with the privilege of the King. Bailleul the younger
engraver. Constructed by the author.” It is dedicated “Dédié et présenté à S.
A. S. Monseigneur le Comte de Clermont par son très-humble et très-
obéissant serviteur Nollet de la Société des Arts. 1730.” “Dedicated and
presented to His Most Serene Highness Seigneur The Count of Clermont by
his very humble and very obedient servant Nollet of the Society of Arts.
1730.” The equatorial circle and the ecliptic, as represented on the map, are
graduated, but the tropics and the polar circles are merely drawn as
continuous black lines. The figures representing the several Ptolemaic
constellations are artistically drawn and retain much of their original color,
which was added by hand at the time of construction.
Of Nollet’s globes a pair may be found in the Biblioteca Maldotti of
Guastalla, a pair in the Seminario Vescovile of Mondovi, a copy of the
terrestrial in the Archivo Fenaroli of Brescia, and a copy of the celestial in
the Museo Astronomico of Rome.
Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr (1671-1750) was one of Nürnberg’s famous
eighteenth-century mathematicians who was especially distinguished as
writer, translator, editor, and teacher.148 A part of his early training he
received at the Egedian Gymnasium of his native town, where from 1704 to

the time of his death he was actively engaged as teacher of mathematics and
physics. In the year 1696 we find him registered as a student of law at the
University of Altdorf, though turning betimes with much enthusiasm to the
study of mathematics under the direction of Joh. Christoph Sturm. In the
year 1700, after some months passed at the University of Halle, he
determined to add to his equipment for his life work such experience as
could be gained through travel; accordingly he visited in turn the more
important cities of his own country and those of Holland and England,
spending in his travels a period of ten years. Among his more important
publications may be mentioned a translation of the ‘Astronomy’ of Thomas
Street,149 a work by Bion in a German translation from the French, which at
the same time he enlarged.150 His ‘Einleitung zur Geographie,’ appearing as
an introduction to Homann’s ‘Atlas’ issued in the year 1714, and his ‘Atlas
Coelestis,’ issued in the year 1742, are among his more important works
original in character, which he published on the subject of geography and
astronomy. His principal work is his ‘Notes’ on the mathematicians and
artists of Nürnberg.151
It was doubtless through his connection with the cartographical
establishment of Homann that he felt induced to undertake the construction
of his globes, examples of which exist dated 1728. In the collection
belonging to The Hispanic Society of America (Fig. 126) there may be
found a fine example of his terrestrial globes, which has a diameter of about
32 cm. Over a carefully prepared hollow wooden ball twelve gores, cut at
the line of the equator and five degrees from each pole, have been pasted.
The small polar spaces lying between latitudes 85 degrees, both north and
south, are covered by circular discs, having a diameter of but ten degrees,
on the one is engraved “Polus Arcticus” and on the other “Polus
Antarcticus.” The globe is furnished with a narrow graduated meridian of
brass within which the sphere turns on its polar axis, a horizon circle of
wood, circular on its inner edge but octagonal on the outer. The engraved
paper strip containing the zodiacal figures, calendar, and directions, has
practically disappeared. The base support consists of four small turned
columns of wood, attached at their lower extremities by crossbars over
which is a circular plate, provision having been made for insertion into its
surface of a compass, which instrument, however, has disappeared.
Excepting slight damage to its horizon circle the globe may be said to be in

an excellent state of preservation. In a neat cartouch in the North Pacific is
the title legend reading, “Globus terrestris in quo locorum insigniorum situs
terraeque facies secundum praecipuas celeberrimorum nostri aevi
Astronomorum et Geographorum observationes opera Joh. Gabr.
Doppelmaieri Mathem. Prof. Publ. Norib. exhibentur, concinnatus a Joh.
Georg. Puschnero Chalcographo Norib. A. C. 1728.” “Terrestrial globe on
which the position of the principal places on the surface of the earth are
shown according to the principal observations of the most celebrated
astronomers and geographers of our times by the labor of John Gabriel
Doppelmayr, mathematician, professor and publisher of Nürnberg.
Engraved by John George Puschner, engraver of Nürnberg152 in the year
1728.” An interesting legend in the South Pacific tells us “Exprimit Globus
hic noster quicquid Geographia recens ex Observationibus fide dignis
suppeditat tam in situ locorum plurium, quam in terrarum novarum etiam
mariumque ambitu. Meridianus primus per Insulam Fer inter Canarias
(quae olim Fortunatae dicebantur) occidentalissimam ductus a quo
Parisiensis Meridianus Probatissimarum Observationum testimonio 20
Gradibus, Noribergensis vero 28 Gr. 40 Min: distat.” “This globe of ours
shows that which the latest geographical information furnishes from the
trustworthy observations both as regards the location of new places and the
extent of the new lands and seas. The first meridian passes through the
Island of Ferro in the Canary Islands (called the Fortunate Islands), which is
the most western point and from which the meridian of Paris, according to
the testimony of the most approved observations differs by 22 degrees,
while that of Nürnberg differs by 28 degrees and 40 minutes.” Around this
legend are the engraved portraits of famous explorers, “Mart. Bohemus
Norimbegus,” “Americus Vesputi,” “Franc. Draco,” “Schouten,” “Georg
Spilbergius,” “R. P. Tachard,” “Wilh. Dampier,” “Mon. de la Salle,”
“Thomas Candisch,” “Olivirius a Nord,” “Ferdin. Magellanicus,” “Christ.
Columbus.”

Fig. 126. Terrestrial Globe of Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr, 1728.

While the representation of the world is not so detailed in certain respects as
we find, for example, on the Valk globes, there nevertheless is the evidence
that the author wished to include such information as in his judgment
should be recorded. There are records of interest in the newly explored
regions of America. California is laid down as a peninsula. In about latitude
41 degrees there appears a Drake record reading “Pt. F. Drack.” “Fretum
Anian” is represented at latitude 45 degrees. Sixty degrees to the west of
this is the somewhat indefinitely indicated coast line of “Terra Borealis
incognita detecta Dom. Ioh. de Gama,” this being separated from the coast

of “Kamtzadalia Terra Jedso” by “Fretum Vries.” The recently explored
regions in the Far East, as in Australia, New Zealand, Van Diemen’s Land,
—each, however, being represented as imperfectly known,—are made very
prominent. There are scarcely any map records of the period more
interesting than are those to be found on this globe of Doppelmayr’s. The
routes of Magellan, 1519; Nord, 1600; Roggeveen, 1722; Dampier, 1700;
Tasman, 1624; Loys, 1708; Lemaire, 1616, are all laid down. In latitude 60
degrees south and longitude 300 degrees we find, “Port detecta per Fr.
Drack,” and again in latitude 67 degrees south and longitude 310, “I. deton
detecta per F. Drack.”
To accompany his terrestrial globe, Doppelmayr issued a celestial globe
bearing the same date. A title legend on the latter reads, “Globus coelestis
novus Stellarum fixarum loca secundum celeberrimi astronomi Dantiscicani
Joannis Hevelii Catalogum ad annum 1730 compl. sistens opera Joh. Gabr.
Doppelmaieri M. P. P. exhibitus a Johanne Georgio Puschnero
Chalcographo Noribergensi. A. C. 1728.” “A new celestial globe giving the
location of the fixed stars according to the record of the celebrated Danish
astronomer Johannes Hevelius conforming to the year 1730, by the labor of
Johannes Gabriel Doppelmayr, mathematician, professor, publisher,
engraved by Johannes George Puschner, engraver of Nürnberg, in the year
1728.” In size and in general features of construction these globes seem to
agree, being scientifically and carefully constructed. A pair of these globes
may be found in the Biblioteca Capitolare of Verona, a pair in the
Geographisches Institute of Göttingen, a copy of the celestial in the
Mathematical Salon of Dresden, a copy of the terrestrial in the Museo di
Fisica of Pavia, a pair dated 1728 in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of
Nürnberg, a pair dated 1736, 20 cm. in diameter, and three copies each of
his globes issued in 1730, 20 cm. in diameter, and a celestial globe dated
1730 and 20 cm. in diameter, in Dresden. (Fig. 126a.)

Fig. 126a. Celestial Globe of Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr, 1728.

Fiorini notes the existence of a large terrestrial globe belonging to the
Marquis Luigi Cusani,153 which probably was constructed in the early
eighteenth century, perhaps before 1730, by order of Cardinal Agostino
Cusani. The globe, unsigned and undated, is of papier-mâché, having a
diameter of about 120 cm. The paper gores with which the sphere is
covered are not all of like form, but all are cut at the line of the equator and
at latitude 80 both north and south, the usual circular disc being provided

for covering the polar areas. On its surface the map has been drawn by
hand, and practically all of the geographical names recorded are in the
Italian language. The globe is mounted on a solid base, having a heavy
horizon circle of wood, which is graduated, and on its surface are the names
and the signs of the several zodiacal constellations, the names of the months
and of the principal winds or directions. The meridian circle, within which
the sphere revolves, is of brass and is graduated. It is reported to be in a
good state of preservation.
The Biblioteca Comunale of Siena possesses two anonymous terrestrial
globes, according to report of Fiorini, the one having a map in manuscript,
the other having an engraved map.154 The first of these, unsigned and
undated, probably of the second quarter of the century, has a diameter of
about 120 cm. The sphere is of wood, the surface of which is covered with
mastic or varnish, and on this the map has been drawn. It is constructed to
revolve within its simple mounting of wood by means of a crank. The title
legend reads “Globe terrestre Dressé selon les observations de l’Acad.
Royale de Paris et des autres Acad. plus célébrés d’Europe.” “Terrestrial
globe constructed according to the observations of the Royal Academy of
Paris and of other Academies the most celebrated in Europe.” In addition to
the above legend one finds the following inscription: “On a pris la longitude
des villes principales des Tables de M ur Philippe de La Hire. Les autres
villes ou il n’ a point d’observations sont icy places en la même distance des
villes principales dans la quelle on les voit dans les cartes de M. Guillaume
de l’Isle.” “The longitudes of the principal towns have been taken from the
tables of M ur Philippe de La Hire.155 The other towns which have not been
located from observation are placed at the same distance from the principal
towns as they are located on the maps of M. Guillaume de l’Isle.”
It seems probable that this globe was constructed in France, and from the
particular references to La Hire and Delisle one may infer, as noted above,
that it belongs to the early eighteenth century. Parallels and meridians are
drawn on the surface of the globe at intervals of ten degrees, and one
conspicuous wind rose with sixteen radiating lines is placed in latitude 30
degrees north and longitude 350 degrees counting from the prime meridian,
which passes through the Island of Ferro. This globe, it is thought, came to
the Siena Library about the year 1810, at the time of French rule in

Tuscany, together with the library of the Convent of S. Augustine, but how
it came to have place in the Augustine convent is unknown.
The second Sienese terrestrial globe, like the one just described, probably
belongs to about the same date.156 It has the following legend
conspicuously placed: “Globo terracqueo corretto et accresciuto secondo le
nuove scoperte. Anno 1744. In Roma nella Calcografia del R:C:A: al Piè di
Marmo.” “Terrestrial globe corrected and enlarged according to recent
discoveries. 1744. In Rome in the engraving establishment of R. C. A. at the
foot of the marble.” The globe ball is of wood, having a diameter of about
50 cm. Additional information concerning this globe it has not been
possible to obtain. Copies of it may be found in the Biblioteca Comunale of
Imola, in that of Osimo, in that of Savignano, and in the Seminario
Vescovile of Ivrea.

Fig. 126b. Celestial Globe of Johann Puschner, 1730.

In the Museo di Strumenti Antichi of Florence there is a well-preserved
armillary sphere,157 having the usual large circles the outer one measuring
about 15 cm. in diameter, of four lesser ones and of these there are two
small ones representing the sun and the moon. The meridian and the equator
are graduated, as is likewise the ecliptic, having engraved on its surface the
names of the principal winds in the Italian language, and the ecliptic having
engraved in Latin on its surface the names of the signs of the zodiac. On
one of the arms which supports the horizon circle is the author and date
legend, reading, “Joseph Torricelli F. Florentiae 1739.” Fiorini thinks it
probable that Joseph was a relative of Evangelista Torricelli, inventor of the
barometer.
Pietro Maria da Vinchio, a monk of the order of St. Francis, deserves a
word of special praise for the skill with which he labored as a map and
globe maker about the middle of the eighteenth century.158 He seems to
have followed in the main the work of Moroncelli, and that of the unknown
maker of the Cusani globe, yet he should be counted a workman possessing
greater technical ability. His first pair of globes have a diameter of about 60
cm. The mounting consists of a meridian and a horizon circle of wood, the
whole resting on a somewhat elaborate wooden base. The gores with which
he covered his spheres are in each instance eighteen in number, but each
gore has been cut into three sections—at the parallel of 40 degrees, both
north and south, and also at the parallel of 80 degrees, the polar spaces
having the usual circular disc covering. The terrestrial globes have
represented on their surfaces the polar and the tropical circles, also the
ecliptic and the equator, together with the several parallels and meridians at
intervals of ten degrees. Artistic wind roses are placed at each of the
equinoctial points, each with points representing the eight principal
directions. The title legend reads, “Globus terrestris juxta geographicas
mappas novissime editas accurate descriptus, in quibus, exactiori
observatione praemissa, errores multiplices sunt emendati, qui in veteri
geographia detinebantur impressi. F. Petri Mariae a Vinchio opus et labor
1739.” “Terrestrial globe accurately delineated according to the most recent
geographical maps in which, by more exact observations, numerous errors

are corrected which continued to be printed in the old geography. Fra Peter
Maria a Vinchio, his work and labor, 1739.”
The celestial globe, similar in its construction in practically every respect to
the preceding, has its system of circles represented according to the
equatorial system instead of the ecliptic system. All of the Ptolemaic
constellations are represented, the figures of the several constellations being
very artistically painted. Its dedication reads, “Ill̄ mo ac Rev̄ mo D. D. Petro
Hieronymo Caravadossi Episcopo Casalensi Ordinis Praedicatorum parvum
hoc Firmamentum dicatum a F. Petro Maria de Vinchio Ord. Min. Stric.
Obser. operis auctor. 1745.” “Dedicated to the Illustrious and Reverend D.
D. Peter Hieronymus Caravadossi Bishop of Casale of the Preaching Friars,
by Fra. Peter Maria de Vinchio of the Strict Minorite Order, who is the
author of this work, in the year 1745.” The pair just described may be found
in the Biblioteca Seminario Maggiore of Casale Monferrato. Fiorini is of
the opinion that these globes, presented to the learned Father Pietro
Girolamo Caravadossi of the Preaching Friars, Bishop of Casale, must have
been given by him to the seminary library, that they might serve in the
education of the priests. It is even probable that the two globes came to the
library by a direct clause in the will of the bishop, since it is known that he
bequeathed to the same library all of his books and an annual sum, that the
library might be used not only by the members of the seminary but by the
general public as well.
Not long after the completion of the pair just described, da Vinchio
undertook the construction of a second and larger pair. These he began in
the year 1746 and completed in the year 1751. These globes have a
diameter of about 105 cm. Like the preceding they are of papier-mâché.
Each is furnished with a meridian and a horizon circle of wood, and a
somewhat elaborate supporting base. On the parchment covering of the
spheres the maps have been drawn by hand. On the terrestrial globe the
meridians and the parallels are represented at intervals of ten degrees. Place
names, the names of the seas and of the rivers are in the Italian language or
in the language of the country claiming possession. Very many of the
discoveries are referred to in appropriate legends. The title and date legend
reads “D. O. M. Globus terraqueus Juxta geographicas mappas novissime
editas accurate descriptus, in quibus, exactiori observatione praemissa,
longitudinum, latitudinumque punctis verius universe compertis, errores

multiplices sunt emendati, qui in veteri geographia detinebantur impressi.
Inferius scripti mens, labor, ars, et opus. F. Petrus Maria a Vinchio. In
Conventu S. M. de Templo Casalis annis 1746-1747-1748.” “D. O. M.
Terrestrial globe accurately described according to the latest geographical
maps in which by a more exact observation and by a truer location of the
points of longitude and latitude many errors have been corrected which
continued to be printed in the old geographies. What follows is the work
and labor of Fra. Peter Maria a Vinchio, made in the Convent of Santa
Maria at the Temple in Casale in the years 1746-1747-1748.”
The celestial globe is similarly mounted, having a title legend which reads
“Globus coelestis Circa quem spectabiliores, magisque obviae stellae juxta
dispositionem et situm, longitudinis scilicet ac latitudinis gradū, in quo ab
Auctore Universi in Firmamento sunt positae, dispositae inspiciuntur;
singulis tamen figuris a Poetis ideatis, ab Astromomis diductae, et
assignatae novissime auctus. F. Maria a Vinchio O. M. S. O. Anno 1750.—
Opifex.—1751.” “Celestial globe in which are to be seen more clearly and
more distinctly set forth the stars according to their places and positions,
that is, their degrees of longitude and latitude where they have been placed
in the firmament by the Creator of the Universe. To which have been added
the figures of the constellations idealized by the poets, brought to earth and
assigned their true places by astronomers. F. Maria a Vinchio of the Strict
Order of the Minorites maker. In the year 1750-1751.”
The figures of the constellations are well drawn and are colored, the names
of these constellations being given in Latin. This pair of Maria’s globes may
be found in the Biblioteca Municipale of Alessandria, in which town he
probably lived at the time of their construction, and probably at the convent
of the Capuchin monks.
Prefixed to his ‘Select Mechanical Exercises,’ first issued in the year 1773,
James Ferguson (1710-1776), Scotch experimental philosopher, physicist,
and astronomer (Fig. 127), gives us a most interesting specimen of
autobiography.159 It is a remarkable story of native genius and of self-
instruction. Herein he tells us how the child of poor parents, with an
unquenchable desire for scientific knowledge, proceeded in his early years,
step by step, until at length he attained to a position of great renown, not
only in his own country but as well in other lands. He tells of his early

interest in simple mechanical problems and of his attempts at the solution of
the same, but what is of special interest here, he relates how it was he
became interested in geography and in the construction of globes and
orreries. From a description of a globe he had found in ‘Gordon’s
Geographical Grammar,’ as he tells us, “I made a globe in three weeks
turning the ball thereof out of a piece of wood.” This he covered with paper
and delineated thereon the map of the world. He was happy to find, as he
says, “that by using the globe, which was the first I ever saw, I could solve
the problems.” In his second attempt at globe making, his boyish ingenuity
particularly exhibited itself. Finding two large globular stones on the top of
a neighbor’s gate-posts, he painted on one of these, with oil colors, a map of
the terrestrial globe, and on the other a map of the celestial, from a
planisphere of the stars which he had copied on paper from a celestial globe
belonging to a neighboring gentleman. “The poles of the painted globes
stood toward the poles of the heavens. On each the twenty-four hours were
placed around the equinoctial so as to show the time of day when the sun
shone out, by the boundary where the half of the globe at any time
enlightened by the sun was parted from the other half in the shade: the
enlightened parts of the terrestrial globe answering to the like enlightened
parts of the earth at all times: so that whenever the sun shone on the globe
one might see to what place the sun was then rising, to what place it was
setting, and all the places where it was then day or night, throughout the
earth.”

Fig. 127. Portrait of James Ferguson.

Turning his attention especially to the movements of the stars, he contrived
an orrery to show the motions of the earth and the moon, of the sun and the
planets, both diurnal and annual, and it was in his first literary attempt,
published in the year 1746, that he described ‘The Use of a New Orrery.’
Ferguson published many works on scientific subjects, lectured extensively
before learned societies, was honored with the royal bounty of King George
III, and became a member of the Royal Society without initiatory or annual
fees.
Of globes constructed by Ferguson other than those he contrived in his
boyhood days, eight copies are known. In the collection of The Hispanic
Society of America (Fig. 127a), there appears to be a unique example of his
first published globe work, constructed perhaps as early as the year 1750,
since it records the route followed by the Englishman, George Anson, in

circumnavigating the earth in his expedition or expeditions of the years
1740-1744, and omits reference to the expeditions of Captain Cook. The
terrestrial globe, a solid wooden ball, 7 cm. in diameter, is enclosed in a
black leather covering, on the inner surface of which is pasted an engraved
gore map of the celestial sphere. It appears to be constructed as were those
referred to by Moxon in his catalogue of globes which were “made and sold
by himself on Ludgate Hill,” that is, “concave hemispheres of the Starry
Orb which serve for a case to a Terrestrial Globe of 3 inches in diameter,
made portable for the Pocket.” The covering of this Ferguson globe is made
to open on the line of the celestial equator. In a neat cartouch placed in the
North Pacific is the author and title legend reading, “A New Globe of the
Earth by James Ferguson.” The meridians are drawn at intervals of fifteen
degrees, the prime meridian passing through Greenwich, and the parallels
are drawn at intervals of ten degrees, being graduated on the meridian of
145 degrees west, excepting the tropics and the polar circles, which are
drawn in their proper latitudes, respectively 23½ degrees from the equator
and 23½ degrees from the poles. Ferguson followed such geographical
records as were laid down by Hondius in his world map of the year 1611, or
by Greuter in his globe map of the year 1632 in the North Pacific region,
indicating there the existence of a great expanse of ocean, between
northwest North America and northeast Asia. “Anian St.” is marked as
separating a somewhat indefinitely outlined coast from America. The
Antarctic continent is altogether omitted; the only inscription appearing in
that region is “The South Pole.” Geographical names are as numerous as
one could expect to find them on a globe of such small dimensions.

Fig. 127a. Pocket Globe of James Ferguson, 1750 (?).

The figures on the celestial map pasted on the inner surface of the terrestrial
globe covering representing the several constellations have been very
artistically drawn. Both the terrestrial and the celestial parts of this
combination globe are remarkably well preserved. A second and later
example of this Ferguson globe may be found in the Harvard University
Library, once belonging to Ebenezer Storer of the class of 1747. It came
into the possession of the University in the year 1914. In addition to the
globes of Ferguson, just described, two pairs are known, dated each 1782,
subsequent to the author’s death, it will be noted, each having a diameter of
30 cm. These are mounted in the usual manner with wooden horizon and
brass meridian circles, with support base columns of wood. On the
terrestrial globes English
is the language employed, while all names of the constellations on the
celestial globes are in Latin. As on the small terrestrial globe in The
Hispanic Society’s collection, the route of Admiral Anson is indicated,

omitting that of Captain Cook, and numerous brief legends are given
referring to various geographical discoveries. One pair of these globes may
be found in the Biblioteca Comunale of Palermo and the other pair in the
Osservatorio Meteorico of Syracuse.

Fig. 127b. Terrestrial Globe of Herman Moll, 1705.

NOTES
117 This society was founded in the year 1666 by Louis XIV, after the model of the Royal Society of
London. It was liberally endowed and supported, its members devoting themselves to the science of
physics, mathematics, astronomy, botany, zoology, and medicine. The observatory, founded in the
year 1667, was an adjunct of the society.
118 Niceron, J. F. “Delisle.” (In: Mémoires pour servir à l’histoire des Hommes illustres dans la
république des lettres. Paris, 1729. Vol. 1, p. 214.); Fontenelle, B. le B. de. Éloge des académiciens.
À la Haye, 1731. Vol. II, pp. 324-339; Sandier, C. Die Reformation der Kartographie um 1700.
München, 1905. pp. 14-21.
119 Not that there is less of interest in physical, in commercial, in descriptive geography, but that
there is a decided tendency in this day to stress what is sometimes called human geography, which
consists in emphasizing the relation of geographical study to real life.
120 This work appears to have established his reputation. In the year 1702 he became a member of
the Academy, not as a geographer—this department was not established until the year 1730—but as
an astronomer under Cassini. Sandler, loc. cit.; Vivien de Saint-Martin, M. Histoire de la géographie.
Paris, 1875. p. 423. This last-named author says: “La Mappemonde de Guillaume Delisle et ses
cartes particulières des quarte partiée du monde, publiées en 1700, remenèrent enfin pour la première
fois à leurs véritables places et à leurs dimensions réelles les parties orientales de l’ancien continent.
Quelle que fussent les améliorations de détail que dût recevoir par la suit la carte du monde,—et ces
améliorations etaient immens,—l’honneur d’en avoir apéré la réforme radical suffit pour éterniser le
nom Guillaume Delisle.”
121 Sandler, op. cit. This was an error having its origin in Ptolemy’s geography, as set down in the
Ptolemy maps. The two most significant errors in the Ptolemaic cartography were (a) the
representation of the Indian Ocean as an enclosed sea; (b) the too great extension in longitude given
to the Mediterranean Sea. A correction of the first of these errors followed quickly after the discovery
of the sea route to the Indies of the East. As a result incident to the second error the Asiatic regions
were extended much172 too far eastward, the maps as late as the seventeenth century showing the
coast of China to lie at least twenty-five degrees too far in that direction. The invention of the
telescope in the first decade of the seventeenth century and of the pendulum clock about the middle
of the century made possible a more accurate determination of the location of places, and an
improvement in map construction soon followed. See also Wolf, Geschichte, pp. 355-362; 369-373.
122 Wolf, op. cit., pp. 400-403. This came to be but one of the many methods employed in the effort
to determine longitude. One of the most interesting and most recent is that in which wireless
telegraphy has been called into service. See Hoogewerff, Capt. J.A. Washington-Paris Longitude by
radio signals by F.B. Littell and G.A. Hill. (In: Astronomical Journal. Albany, 1915.)
123 See “Nolin” and “Delisle.” (In: Mémoire pour l’histoire des sciences et des beaux arts. Trévoux,
1702. p. 166.); “Nolin.” (In: Nouvelle biographie.); Lelewel. Géographie du moyen âge, II. p. 202;
Sandler, op. cit., p. 15.
124 Sandler, op. cit., reproduces Delisle’s world map of 1700, pl. iv.
125 Wolf, op. cit., pp. 449-452; Mémoires pour servir a l’histoire des sciences et a celle de
l’observatoire royal de Paris. Paris, 1810. pp. 255-309; “Cassini, Jean-Dominique.” (In: Nouvelle
biographie.) In this last article may be found a long list of Cassini’s publications.

126 “Gassendi, Pierre.” (In: Nouvelle biographie.) Gassendi achieved distinction for his works on
astronomical subjects. In the year 1645 he was appointed Professor of Mathematics in the Collège
Royal of Paris, a position he held with interruptions until his death.
127 The term “Precession of the Equinoxes,” as used in astronomy, refers to the slow retrograde
motion of the equinoctial point to the west, or contrary to the order of the signs of the zodiac, this
precession being estimated by Hipparchus to be one degree in one hundred years; in sixty-nine years
by Ptolemy; in sixty-six years by Albategnius; in seventy years by Cassini, but it is now estimated to
be one degree in about seventy and one half years. For one complete revolution of this equinoctial
point through the twelve signs of the zodiac Hipparchus estimated a period of 36,000 years would be
required; according to Ptolemy a period of 24,840 years; according to Albategnius 23,760 years;
according to Cassini 25,200 years; whereas the period is now estimated to be a little more than
25,800 years. An important consequence of the precession of the equinoxes lies in the fact that the
zodiacal constellations do not agree with the signs with which they coincided in ancient times, i.e., in
the beginnings of astronomical science. The first star of Aries, which at the time of Eudoxus was at
the intersection of the equator and the ecliptic, or at the equinoctial colure, has continued to increase
its position in longitude. At the time of Ptolemy this was 6 degrees 40 minutes. Its longitude is now
about 31 degrees, which places it entirely out of its original sign.
128 Among the more important works of Cassini bearing upon this particular subject may be
mentioned, Méthode pour trouver la différence des longitudes des lieux par les observations
correspondantes des phases des éclipses de soleil 1670. (In: Histoire de l’Académie Royale des
Sciences. Paris, 1733. Vol. I, p. 133.); La méthode de déterminer les longitudes des lieux de la terre
par les observations des satellites de Jupiter. (In: Mémoires de l’Académie. Paris, 1743. Vol. X, p.
569.); De la méthode de déterminer173 les longitudes des lieux de la terre par les observations des
satellites de Jupiter. (In: Observations physiques et mathématiques. Paris, 1688. pp. 232-278.); Les
hypothèses et les tables des satellites de Jupiter, réformees sur de nouvelles observations. (In:
Mémoires de l’Académie, 1693. Paris, 1730. Vol. VIII, p. 363.); Méthode de déterminer les
longitudes des lieux de la terre par des étoiles fixes et des planètes par la Lune. (In: Mémoires de
l’Académie. Paris, 1703.)
129 See p. 349 of Bion’s work referred to below, n. 138.
130 Histoire de l’Académie Royale des Sciences. Paris, 1727.
131 Fiorini. Sfere terrestri e celesti. pp. 401-402.
132 Zedler, J. H. Groses universallexikon aller Wissenschaften und Kunste. Leipzig-Halle, 1745. Vol.
46, p. 153; Günther, Erd- und Himmelsgloben, p. 107, n. 1, reports that two of his Atlases, one of
which is a particularly fine example of work representing astronomical geography, may be found in
the K. Hof und Staatsbibliothek of München. More than one hundred and twenty-five maps of
Gerhard and Leonhard Valk are listed by Phillips in his excellent work on Atlases in the Library of
Congress. See index.
133 Praxis astronomiae utrisque ut et geographiae exercita per usum Globi coelestis et terrestris tum
et Planetolabii. Amstelodami, sumptibus Gerhardi Valk Calcographi apud quem prostant una globis et
Planetolabio. n. d.
134 There is considerable doubt as to the date assigned to the Valk globes in the Königliche Museum
of Cassel, and to those in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of Nürnberg. See reference to these
above, p. 150.
135 “Senex, John,” with appended short bibliographical list. (In: Dictionary of National Biography.)

136 See reference below, Chap. XIII, to Adams.
137 “Bion, Nicolas,” with portrait. (In: Nouvelle biographie. Paris, 1853.)
138 Bion, Nicolas. Usage des globes célestes et terrestres, et des sphères, suivant les différents
systèmes du monde. Paris, 1699. This work was reissued no less than six times before 1751, there
being added to the title in the sixth edition, “Précédé d’un Traité de Cosmographie. Sixième édition,
revue et corrigée par le Sieur N. Bion, ingénieur du Roi pour les instruments de Mathématique, sur le
Quai de l’Orloge du Palais, au Soleil d’or, où trouvé des Sphères et des Globes de toutes façons”;
same author. Traité de la construction et des principaux usages des instruments de mathématique.
Paris, 1752. Bion’s work was translated into English by Edward Stone and published in London,
1723, under the title ‘Bion’s construction and principal use of mathematical instruments.’
139 See p. 142.
140 Fiorini, op. cit., pp. 402-405.
141 Fiorini, op. cit., pp. 430-431.
142 “Seutter, Mattheus.” (In: Allgemeine deutsche Biographie.); Sandler, C. Mattheus Seuter und
seine Landkarten. (In: Mitteilungen des Vereins für Erdkunde zu Leipzig. Leipzig, 1894. pp. 5-38.)
This article contains a brief biography, a list of his several map publications, his colaborers, and a
special consideration of his landkarten.
143 See the list as given by Sandler, op. cit.
144 “Morden, Robert.” (In: Dictionary of National Biography.)
145 Morden, R. An introduction to astronomy, geography, navigation, etc., made easy by the
description and uses of the coelestial and terrestrial globes,174 in seven parts. London, 1702. A list of
his maps and principal geographical works is given in the article referred to in note 28. See also
British Museum Catalogue of Printed Books and Maps.
146 l’Éloge de l’Abbé Nollet. (In: Histoire de l’Académie Royale des Sciences. Paris, 1773. p. 121.);
Querard, J. M. La France Littéraire. Paris, 1826-1842. 10 vols. Vol. VI, p. 444; “Nollet, l’Abbé, Jean
Antoine.” (In: Nouvelle biographie.)
147 Fiorini, op. cit., pp. 407-409.
148 “Doppelmayr, Johann Gabriel.” (In: Allgemeine deutsche Biographie.)
149 Street, T. Astronomia Carolina. A new theory of the celestial motions. London, 1661.
150 This was a translation of Bion’s Traité de la construction et des principaux usages des
instruments de mathématique, to which he gave a general title ‘Neueröfnete mathematische
Werkschule.’ Leipzig, 1713. To the title of a later edition of this translation was prefixed, “Dritte
Eröfnung,” Nürnberg, 1741. The reference is to a technical school of Nürnberg.
151 Doppelmayr, Johann Gabriel. Historische Nachricht von nürnbergischen Mathematiscis und
Künstlern. Nürnberg, 1730.
152 Doppelmayr, op. cit.
153 Fiorini, op. cit., p. 394.
154 Fiorini, op. cit., pp. 414-415.

155 A noted French geometrician, professor of mathematics at the Collège Royal de France, and at
l’Académie d’Architecture, 1640-1718.
156 Fiorini, op. cit., p. 415.
157 Fiorini, op. cit., pp. 431-432.
158 Fiorini, op. cit., pp. 410-414.
159 Ferguson, James. Select mechanical exercises with a short account of the life of the author by
himself. London, 1773; “Ferguson, James.” (In: A biographical dictionary of eminent Scotsmen,
originally edited by Robert Chambers, revised by Rev. Thos. Thompson. London, 1856.); “Ferguson,
James.” (In: Dictionary of National Biography.) The last two articles contain extensive references to
Ferguson’s works, many of which are of a high order of merit.

Chapter XIII

Globes and Globe Makers of the Second Half of the
Eighteenth Century
Few globe makers of striking distinction in this period.—An apparent decrease in scientific
interest in globes, but an apparent increase in popular interest.—Gilles and Didier Robert de
Vaugondy.—The work of Desnos.—Globes of Gian Francesco Costa the Venetian.—Globes
of Akerman and Akrel.—The French globe makers Rigobert Bonne and Lalande.—Charles
Messier and Jean Fortin.—Globes of George Adams the Elder, of George Adams the Younger,
and of Dudley Adams.—Small globes of Nathaniel Hill.—The work of Innocente Alessandri
and Pietro Scaltaglia.—Charles Francis Delamarche.—Manuscript globes of Vincenzo Rosa.
—Geographer and globe maker Giovanni Maria Cassini.—Globes of William Cary.

D
URING the second half of the eighteenth century there is a
continued interest in globe construction, yet the period is not one
which is at all striking by reason of the good quality of the work
done in this field. Since the latter part of the sixteenth century and the early
part of the seventeenth, when, as has been noted, globes were so generally
thought to be an essential part of a seaman’s outfit of navigating
instruments, there had been a remarkable improvement in the construction
of sailors’ charts resulting from carefully devised methods for the
determination of geographical position and the employment of the results in
map construction. The plane or sheet chart was again regarded as a more
convenient, a more handy guide in navigation than was the globe. If plane
chart making had improved so had plane map making. There must,
however, have been a considerable popular interest in globes, judging from
the number which we know were constructed, and from the number of
publications issued which were intended to point out the particular value
attaching to globes in geographical and astronomical instruction, to explain
their construction, and to indicate the character of the problems which, by
their use, could be easily solved. The interest in such objects in this period,
perhaps we may say, was rather more extensive than intensive, having more
of a popular than of a scientific character.
Among the most prominent French map and globe makers of this period
were Gilles Robert de Vaugondy (1688-1766) and Didier Robert de
Vaugondy (1723-1786), father and son, reference usually being made to
these men in geographical literature under the name “Robert” or

“Vaugondy.”160 Gilles, the grandson of Nicolas Sanson,161 who had
achieved first rank among geographers in his day for his maps and atlases,
proved himself to be a worthy member of the family. He doubtless owed his
earliest enthusiasm for geographical science to an inheritance of the maps,
atlases, and other geographical publications of the grandfather, many of
which he reissued, adding to the same his own valuable and independent
work. Didier seems to have possessed talents none the less brilliant than
were those exhibited by the father, and upon him, in succession, the king
conferred the title Royal Geographer. In addition to his issue of maps and
atlases, the father, often referred to simply as Robert de Vaugondy, became
interested in the construction of globes, issuing his first pair, which must
have been of small size, in the year 1751, in which work he doubtless was
assisted by the son. The king, it appears, being so well pleased with these,
directed the construction of others of larger dimensions, and in the same
year a pair was issued, each globe having a diameter of about 48 cm.162 In
the same preface163 it is stated that the king gave orders for a terrestrial
globe with map in manuscript, the same to have a diameter of about six
feet, and the author further notes that “when this work shall have been
completed and presented to His Majesty, I shall give an explanation of the
work which I shall have been obliged to put upon the mechanical
construction of the ball, also a description of the allegorical ornaments
which will adorn the globe support, and a description of the geographical
labor I shall have expended.” There appearing no later reference to this
particular work, it seems hardly probable that it was ever actually
undertaken. Delamarche gives us to understand that the king could not have
been altogether pleased with Vaugondy’s first work, observing that while “it
was done to the satisfaction of the Prince, he would have received the
compensation due his talents and painstaking labor if the order of the king
had been followed.”164 Wherein he failed we do not know. It may have
been this fact which discouraged him in his thought of undertaking the
larger work.
In the construction of his globes having a diameter of 48 cm. he was
assisted by the engravers, De la Haye and Gobin, the results being the
production of a terrestrial and a celestial globe map of superior excellence.

While it has not been possible to obtain photographs of any of the
Vaugondy globes, his map of the world dated 1751 is doubtless much the
same as his globe map, presenting geographical records as he thought
proper to present them, including a representation of the route of a number
of the recent exploring expeditions.
Copies of his globes of the year 1751 cannot now be located, but
reproductions of the same, the terrestrial dated 1773 and the celestial dated
1764, may be found in the Biblioteca Governativa of Lucca, in the
Biblioteca Real of Caserta, and a copy of the celestial in the Osservatorio
Patriarcale of Venice. Shortly after the first issue of the globes in the year
1751 Vaugondy constructed other pairs, each having a diameter of 23 cm.
These are dated 1754, copies of which may be found in the Biblioteca
Palatina of Parma (two copies of the celestial), in the Pinacoteca Quirini of
Venice, and a pair in the Palazzo of the Marquis of Spinola of Tassarolo.
L. C. (Pierre-Joseph ?) Desnos, a contemporary and an intimate friend of
Didier Robert de Vaugondy, was a Danish geographer of distinction,
winning for himself in early life the favor of his king and the title
Geographical Engineer.165 A considerable number of his maps are known,
and especially worthy of note is his atlas, titled ‘Atlas Général et
Élémentaire,’ dated Paris, 1778, there being other editions of the same with
modifications. It has been possible to locate a few of his globes. The first, a
celestial, appears to have been issued as early as the year 1750, a copy of
which may be found in the Liceo of Reggio, as there may also be found in
the same collection a Desnos terrestrial globe dated 1760. These have each
a diameter of about 22 cm. and are reputed to be in an excellent state of
preservation. On the brass meridian circle of the second, one reads, “Se fait
et se vendre chez Desnos rue St. Julien le pauvre 1753,” which legend
suggests an issue of the same as early as the date given, and this idea finds
support in an engraved legend referring to this particular issue as being one
revised and corrected. There is additional support for the belief that a pair
was issued in the year 1753 in the fact that this date appears on the base of
the celestial globe. The Desnos maps are all well engraved and, like others
of the period, much was made of indicating the routes of many of the
famous explorers, including a reference to the success of Bering as follows,
“Les Moscovites ont recouvré ici en 1743 sur les terres basses.” In this we

have one of the very early references to the Russian successes in this
region.

Fig. 129a. Globe of L. C. Desnos, 1782.

In the year 1754 Desnos issued a pair of globes somewhat larger in size,
giving to them a diameter of about 26 cm. Copies of these globes may be
found in the private library of the Marquis Lalatta Costerbosa of Parma. In
their general features they resemble the previous edition, with every
evidence that the author wished to bring his records to date and to make
them quite as full as his space would allow, noting in one of his
inscriptions, “Nous n’avons tracé que par des points la figure des terres que
l’Admiral De Fonté détaille dans se lettre que Mr. Delisle a rédu publique,
en attendant l’authenticité de cette lettre, se que les relations des nouvelles
découvertes rendent probable.” In the year 1772, it appears, he issued a
third edition, noting that he had made use of the most recent observations of
the Royal Academy of Sciences of Paris, bringing his star records down to
the year 1770. Copies of this edition are in Piacenza.
Gian Francesco Costa, a Venetian engineer, architect, and engraver, gave
some attention to the construction of globes.166 In the year 1754 he
prepared and issued, for the Venetian Academy, a terrestrial and a celestial
globe, each about 24 cm. in diameter, basing the former on the work of
Delisle and the latter on the observations and records of the English
astronomer, John Flamsteed.167 There is little of special value attaching to
the globes of Costa. They give merely the well-known geographical and
astronomical records of the day. Copies of his celestial globe may be found
in the Biblioteca Municipale of Cagli and in the Osservatorio Astronomico
of Rome. Fiorini refers to a copy of the terrestrial as belonging to the
Biblioteca Universitorio of Urbino, and to one in the private library of
Canon Ettore Fronzi of Senigallia.
There is said to be a fine manuscript terrestrial globe, dated 1756, in the
private library of Professor Maximilian Tono, director of the Osservatorio
Patriarcale di S. Maria della Salute in Venice. The ball is of wood, over
which is a coating of varnish, and on this a world map has been drawn by
hand. It appears to have been constructed merely for the personal use of the
maker, P. Francesco Grandi.
In Andrea Akerman we find a native of Sweden interested in the matter of
globe making. Observing him to be one in possession of commendable

talents, the Academy of Sciences of Stockholm, about the year 1750,
granted to him a subsidy for the establishment of a workshop in Upsala.
Here he undertook the construction of a terrestrial and of a celestial globe.
So successful was his enterprise that, we are told, his productions found
favor not only among those interested in his field within his own country,
but among those similarly interested in Denmark, Germany, and Russia.
Lalande makes mention of his work published through the Geographical
Society of Upsala, dated 1776, noting that they had a diameter of about 22
inches.168 A copy of his celestial globe may be found in the Osservatorio
Astronomico of Milan, having a diameter of about 59 cm. It has an author
and date legend, reading “Globus coelestis ex Catalogo Brittanico et De la
Caillii observationibus ad annum 1800 cura Soc. Cosmog. Upsal. delineatus
ab Andrea Akerman Reg. S. S. Apt. sculptore 1766.”
A pair of Akerman’s globes may also be found in the Geographisches
Institut of Göttingen, the terrestrial dated 1759, and the celestial dated 1760
and dedicated to the President of the Academy of Sciences by the
Geographical Society of Upsala. His globes, it appears, were reissued by
Frederick Akrel,169 an engraver who had assisted him in his work. The
reissue of the Akerman globes dated 1779 contained corrections and
additions which brought them to date, a fact which is noted in the following
legend: “Globus terraqueus cura Societatis cosmographicae Upsalensis,
editus ab Andr. Akerman Nunc emendatus.... opera Frederici Akrel 1779.”
“Terrestrial globe issued under the auspices of the Cosmographical Society
of Upsala, edited by Andrea Akerman, now corrected.... the work of
Frederick Akrel 1779.”
The Biblioteca Universitario of Bologna possesses a very interesting
manuscript terrestrial globe (Fig. 128), the work of P. D. Pietro Rosini, an
Olivetan monk. Word from the librarian with photograph kindly sent170
gives us the information that this splendid globe was constructed in the year
1762, that it is a fine example of the period and is in an excellent state of
preservation. It has a diameter of about 150 cm., being one of the largest
constructed in Italy. The sphere is constructed of wooden plates securely
braced. It has a meridian circle of heavy brass, a horizon circle of wood,
having on its upper surface the usual representations referring to the
constellations of the zodiac, the names of the months, and the principal

directions. The circle on its inner edge is fashioned to receive the sphere,
but it has an outer edge which is octagonal. Over the surface of the ball
irregular pieces of paper were pasted and on this the geographical map was
drawn by hand. Practically all geographical names are in the Italian
language, as are the few geographical legends. The author and date legend
in Latin reads, “D. Petrus Rosini de Lendinara Mon us Oliv us fecit ann:
1762.” “D. Petrus Rosini of Lendinara, an Olivetan monk made this in the
year 1762.” Fiorini cites a reference to a letter written by Rosini wherein he
is referred to as a professor, noting that other information concerning him
seems to be unobtainable. From the fact of his having constructed a
terrestrial globe and of his reference in his letter to an eruption of Mount
Vesuvius, one would obtain the impression that he was a lover of scientific
studies, and especially of geography.

Fig. 128. Terrestrial Globe of Pietro Rosini, 1762.

Rigobert Bonne (1727-1794), a distinguished French hydrographer and
engineer, achieved likewise a very considerable reputation as a geographer
and cartographer; indeed, the great majority of his scientific publications
were within the field of geography.171 With Joseph Jérôme Le Français de
Lalande (1732-1807), one of the most famous of French astronomers,172 he
undertook the construction of a terrestrial and a celestial globe on which it
was proposed to record in particular all of the most recent discoveries in
both the field of geography and that of astronomy. To these globes they
gave a diameter of about 31 cm., following, in constructing the gore maps
with which each sphere was covered, the method of Bion, giving very

careful consideration to the fact that the paper on which the maps were
printed would expand somewhat unevenly when moistened with the paste
used in the mounting. It seems probable that Bonne completed the
terrestrial globe about the year 1771, and Lalande the celestial about the
year 1775, and that the engraving of the maps was entrusted to Lattré, who
had at this time a place of marked distinction in the profession he
represented. Lalande says of the first issue of their work: “M. Lattré,
Graveur ordinaire de Mgr. le Dauphin et de M. le Duc d’Orleans, publiera
vers la fin de cette année 1771, deux globes d’un pied de diamètre, faites
avec le plus grand soin, et sur les observations les plus récentes dessines
avec une nouvelle exactitude; M. Bonne s’est chargé du globe terrestre, et je
suis occupé actuellement du globe céleste. Ces globes seront en même
temps réduits à 8 pouces et à six; chaque assortissement aura des sphères du
même diamètre. Les prix seront annoncés dans les journaux.” A short time
later these globe makers issued a publication in which they especially
described their work, and Lalande noted in his ‘Bibliographie
astronomique’ under the year 1775: “On trouve dans le Globe céleste toutes
les étoiles alors connues, toutes les constellations nouvelles de la Caille,
celle que j’avais introduite sous le nom de Messier, et toutes les découvertes
géographiques obtenues depuis quelques années par plusieurs voyages
autour du monde. On trouve ces globes chez Lamarche, rue du Foin.” While
it has not been possible to locate a pair of the first edition of these globes,
there may be found in the Osservatorio Astronomico of Palermo an undated
terrestrial globe by Bonne and a celestial, clearly intended as a companion
piece, dated 1779. In all probability they are but reprints of the first edition,
having the same diameters, that is, about 31 cm. Each is furnished with a
graduated horizon circle of wood, a graduated horizon circle of brass, and a
small brass hour circle marked from I to XII, the whole being supported by
three turned columns. They are reported as being well preserved. A pair has
likewise been located in the Geographisches Institut of Göttingen.
The British Museum possesses a small terrestrial globe 7 cm. in diameter,
signed N. Lane and dated 1776. Over a sphere of wood has been pasted the
engraved gore map, which gives but little geographical information. It has
not been possible to obtain a biographical reference to this globe maker,
who probably was an unimportant printer of maps in London at this time.

Charles Messier (1730-1817), a French astronomer, map, and globe maker,
was a native of Lorraine.173 In the year 1751 he went to Paris, where he
soon became associated with Delisle, first as his secretary, during which
period he gave striking proof of his abilities, and later as his trusted
assistant. His fame quickly extended to other lands, and he became a
member of the Academy of Sciences of Berlin, also of the Academy of
Sciences of St. Petersburg, each of which organizations published a
considerable number of his scientific papers. It appears that his fame as an
astronomer rested chiefly on his investigations of the nature and the
movements of comets, becoming known as “le furet des comètes.”
Messier’s contemporary and intimate associate was Jean Fortin (1750-
1831), whose fame as a scientist rests primarily upon his work as a maker
of mathematical instruments. Like Bonne and Lalande, who labored jointly
in the construction of terrestrial and celestial globes, Messier and Fortin
were active in the same field. In the year 1780 they placed on sale at the
shop of Fortin in Rue de la Harpe pairs of their globes, each having a
diameter of about 31 cm. Lalande refers to them as “Globes d’un pied de
diamètre. Chez Fortin. Paris 1780. Le Globe céleste par Messier: Les étoiles
réduites à 1800, d’après les tables que j’avais faites pour mon Globe. Le
Globe terrestre par Fortin d’après les nouvelles découvertes
géographiques.” It has not been possible to locate a copy of Fortin’s
terrestrial globe, but an example of Messier’s celestial may be found in the
Osservatorio Meteorico of the University of Parma, in the Istituto di Fisica
of the University of Siena, in the Biblioteca S. Scolastica e S. Benedetto in
Subiaco, and in the Liceo Machiavelli of Lucca. Copies of a celestial globe
by Fortin, each about 22 cm. in diameter, may be found in the Convento dei
Frati della Missione of Chieri, in the Biblioteca Comunale of Correggio,
and in the Liceo Andrea Doria of Novi.
The Hispanic Society of America possesses a good example of Fortin’s
work (Fig. 129), this being an armillary sphere, having at the common
center of its system of circles a terrestrial globe about 5 cm. in diameter. It
is without date, but probably was constructed about the year 1780. In the
South Pacific within a cartouch is the inscription “A Paris chez le Sr. Fortin.
Rue de la Harpe.” This example is 41 cm. in height, having a graduated
horizon circle 31 cm. in diameter, supported on a turned wooden base by
four arms or quadrants. The terrestrial globe map of twelve gores is much

darkened with age but gives in good outline the several continents with a
few geographical names. Its armillae are of pasteboard, consisting of a
supporting meridian circle within which the several celestial circles can be
revolved on the extended polar axis of the terrestrial globe. These celestial
circles represent the zodiac, on the surface of which are given the names of
the several zodiacal constellations and the names of the months, the
meridian circles, the tropics, the equator, the two polar circles with an hour
circle at the north pole, all of these being so attached as not to permit of
independent motion. Attached to one of the meridian circles is a device for
representing eclipses, the one of the sun and the other of the moon.

Fig. 129. Armillary Sphere of Jean Fortin, 1780.

George Adams, the elder (fl. 1760), maker of mathematical instruments and
optician to His Majesty George III of England, won great distinction for

himself as a maker of terrestrial and celestial globes, and as a writer on
geographical and astronomical subjects. With him in his work were
associated his sons George (1750-1795) and Dudley, to whom, after the
death of the brother, fell the management of the business. We know of
Dudley’s success in his work, which he must have carried on well into the
first quarter of the nineteenth century, though we know neither the date of
his birth nor of his death. In the year 1766 the elder Adams issued the first
edition of a very useful work on globes, including a consideration of their
construction and their uses.174 In the year 1810 appeared the thirtieth
edition of this work, with a preface and additions by the son, Dudley. The
title of the work suggests that the first issue was prepared as a description of
globes which the author had just put upon the market, but globes of his
bearing a date so early seem to be unknown. None have been located which
appear to have been issued earlier than the year 1772, after which time we
know there were repeated issues signed either “G. Adams” or “D. Adams.”
A pair of the date 1782 may be found in the Museo Astronomico of Rome.
These appear to be in a fair state of preservation (Fig. 130). Each has a
diameter of about 46 cm., being furnished with a graduated brass meridian
circle within which the sphere revolves, a graduated horizon circle of wood,
having pasted thereon the usual records referring to the zodiacal
constellations and to the time reckoning. This horizon circle rests upon four
supporting arms or quadrants, which in turn are carried by a tripod base of
wood. The spheres are of pasteboard with plaster of Paris covering, on
which the respective maps have been pasted, each map being composed of
twenty-four gores or biangles, or of twice twenty-four, since each is cut on
the line of the equator to facilitate mounting. The geographical records
given on the terrestrial globe map are practically such as one could find on
the best plane maps of the period, always, however, in this connection
remembering that those regions which had not been visited or carefully
charted by explorers gave to the map maker considerable latitude for a play
of his imagination. It is interesting, for example, here to note that Adams
appears to have been very uncertain about his information relative to the
western and southwestern part of the present United States. He seems to
have caught from some explorer’s account that the Colorado River flows
westward, emptying directly into the Pacific, and he so marks it, giving,
however, to the river the name St. Bartholomew. The celestial globe
revolves on the axis of the equator, the gores being made to terminate at the

poles of the ecliptic. Constellations are represented so far as they have been
named by astronomers to date, the several figures being artistically drawn,
on which color has been somewhat sparingly employed. Each constellation
is given its old name with an English translation; star names, when given,
are frequently in Arabic, Latin or Chinese, and are distinguished by Greek
letters. Recently discovered stars are so marked as to be easily
distinguished.

Fig. 130. Terrestrial Globe of George Adams, 1782.

In addition to the above, a pair of Adams globes may be found in the
Osservatorio Astronomico of Naples and a pair in the Biblioteca Classense
of Ravenna. A copy of the terrestrial may be found in the Seminario
Vescovile of Padua. A copy of the terrestrial dated 1785 may be found in the
Biblioteca Real of Madrid, agreeing in general with the preceding except in
the mounting. The author and date legend appears in a neat cartouch in the
North Pacific, reading: “Britanniarum Rigi Augustissimo Georgio Tertio
Scientiarum Cultori pariter et praefidio Globum hunc Terrestrem. Omnes
hactenus exploratios terrarum tractus. Ad Observationes Navigantium
Itinerantium et Astronomorum recentiores, accuratissime descriptos
exhibentem Grati animi et pietatis monumentum D. D. Q. Omni cultu et
officio devinctissimus. G. Adams. Londini apud G. Adams artificem regium
in vico (?) Fleet Street, 1785.”
The American Geographical Society possesses a pair of the Adams globes,
the gift of Mrs. Thomas F. Byrnes, dated 1797, and made by “Dudley
Adams Globe Maker to the King, Inst. Maker to his Majesty & Optician to
H. R. H. the Prince of Wales. No. 60 Fleet Street, London.” They are in a
fair state of preservation, the celestial, however, being somewhat damaged
through attempts to turn the sphere, which does not move freely on its axis
within the meridian and the horizon circle. These are mounted on a high
tripod base and are movable right or left, just as they are movable for
elevation or depression of the pole in the usual manner. It does not appear
that additions or corrections were made for this issue.
Nathaniel Hill of London, active as a map engraver about the middle of the
eighteenth century, likewise turned his attention to the construction of
globes.175 Those of his make now known, however, are very small,
consequently they present but meager geographical details. Like certain
productions of James Ferguson, the Hill globes might be referred to as
pocket globes.
The New York Public Library possesses a fine example of his work (Fig.
130a), bearing the title and author legend placed in the North Pacific, “A
New Terrestrial Globe by Nath. Hill 1754.” This globe has a diameter of 7
cm. It is furnished with a graduated meridian circle, surmounted at the north
pole with an hour circle and pointer. The graduation is somewhat unusual,
beginning as it does with 0 degrees at either pole and marked by tens on the

right half of the circle through 90 degrees or to the equator, and with 90
degrees at either pole and marked by tens on the left to 0 degrees at the
equator. The horizon circle of wood has represented on its surface the
names of the zodiacal constellations, the names of the months, and the
thirty-two compass directions, and rests upon a base of four branching arms
or quadrants, which in turn are supported by three widely spreading feet,
this base being fashioned and carved in the Chippendale style. The sphere is
covered with the usual twelve gores truncated in latitude both north and
south at about 68 degrees and has the polar spaces covered by circular
discs. The entire piece, including the map, is remarkably well preserved.
The Pacific is called “The Great South Sea,” while just off the coast of “S.
America” we read “Pacific Sea.” Between “N. America” and “Asia” is a
great open sea, Alaska being omitted. We find such names given as
“Florida,” “Virginia,” “Carolina,” “Maryla”: the Missouri River is called
the “Long R.” The meridian on which the graduation in latitude is
represented is 150 degrees west, passing through the Pacific slightly to the
west of California. In “S. America” there are numerous regional names
given, including “Brazil,” “Peru,” “Terra firma,” “Chili.” In the East Indies
we find “New Holland,” “New Zeeland,” neither with completed coast line.
An attached card tells us that this globe was “Presented to the New York
Public Library by Mrs. Henry Draper, Oct. 9, 1908.”
There likewise may be found in the British Museum a copy, presumably of
this same globe, dated 1754, and a copy in the Bibliothèque Nationale of
Paris, signed and dated. This Paris copy is furnished with a cover opening
along the line of the equator and having on its inner surface a representation
of the celestial sphere which is neither signed nor dated, but which is in a
good state of preservation.

Fig. 130a. Terrestrial Globe of Nathaniel Hill, 1754.

Fiorini refers to certain pairs of globes being apparently copies of the work
of Gian Francesco Costa without credit being noted. These globes, inferior
in the matter of engraving to the work of Costa, were issued as the work of
Innocente Alessandri and Pietro Scaltaglia.176 The terrestrial globe bears the
inscription, “Nova et accurata descrizione del Globo Terracqueo dirizzato
sopra le più recenti Osservazioni del Sig r Delisle e degli ultimi viaggiatori.
Per uso dell’ Accademia Veneta. Composto da Innocente Alessandri e Pietro
Scaltaglia incisori in rame. L’ anno 1784. Matteo Viani in Campo S.
Bartolamio. Venezia.” “New and accurate description of the Terrestrial
globe based on the most recent observations of Sr. Delisle and the latest
explorers. For the use of the Venetian Academy. Composed by Innocente
Alessandri and Pietro Scaltaglia, copper engravers. In the year 1784. Mattio
Viani in Campo S. Bartolamio. Venice.” A legend very similar to that on the
terrestrial globe appears on the celestial, reading, “Globo celeste nel quale
sono accuratamente descritte le stelle fisse col loro preciso numero e
Magnitudini secondo il Catalogo Brittanico del Sig r Flamstadio. Per uso
dell’ Accademia Veneta. Composto da Innocente Alessandri e Pietro
Scaltaglia incisori in Rame. L’anno 1784. Matteo Viani in Campo S.
Bartolamio. Venezia.” “Celestial Globe in which is accurately described the
fixed stars with their precise number and magnitude according to the British
Calendar of Sr. Flamsteed. For the use of the Venetian Academy. Composed
by Innocente Alessandri and Pietro Scaltaglia copper engravers. In the year
1784. Matteo Viani in Campo S. Bartolamio. Venice.” A copy of the
terrestrial globe belongs to the Biblioteca Comunale of Cagli, likewise one
may be found in the office of the Eredità Bottrigari of Bologna. Copies of
the celestial may be found in the Museo Astronomico of Rome, in the
Seminario Vescovile of Brescia, in the Tipolitografia Roberto of Bassano.
Somewhat later it appears that the bookdealer Viani reissued the terrestrial
globe, undated, perhaps with the thought of bringing them to date, that they
might not be crowded out of the market by the recently constructed globes
by Giovanni Maria Cassini. The inscription on this globe reads, “Nova et
accurata descrizione del Globo Terracqueo dirizzato sopra le più recenti
Osservazioni del Sig r dell’ Isle e degli ultimi viaggiatori e del Cap. Cook
negli ultimi suoi viaggi. In Ven a appo Mattio Viani in Campo S.
Bartolomeo.” “New and accurate description of the Terrestrial globe based
on the most recent observations of Sr. Delisle and on the records of the most
recent navigators and of Captain Cook in his last voyages. In Venice by

Mattio Viani in Campo S. Bartolomeo.” Copies of this issue may be found
in the Museo Astronomico of Rome, in the library of the artist Giuseppe
Bortognoni of Bologna, in the library of Sr. Fenaroli of Brescia, in the
Biblioteca Vescovile of Rimini, and in the Tipolitografia Roberto of
Bassano.
Among the geographers of this period who were contributing to French
leadership may be named Charles Francis Delamarche (1740-1817). He was
a native of Paris, in which city, under the patronage of King Louis XV, he
carried on his activities as map and globe maker, conducting at the same
time a shop for their distribution. He seems to have patterned his globe
work largely after that of Gilles and Didier Robert de Vaugondy, giving to
his completed products practically the same dimensions and mounting. His
earliest examples bear the date 1785, of which only one copy, a celestial
globe, has been located, this now belonging to the Osservatorio Meteorico
of Venice. In the year 1791, he constructed a pair of globes each having a
diameter of about 18 cm., only the terrestrial being dated, and in the same
year he issued his treatise which doubtless was intended to serve as an
explanatory text for these globes, at the same time advertising and
popularizing his productions.177 Examples of this issue may be found in the
Biblioteca di Brera of Milan, and in the Liceo Carlo Alberto of Novara. A
copy of the terrestrial may be found in the Istituto Nautico of Palermo, and
a copy of the celestial in the Convento dei Frati della Missione of Chieri. It
could not have been long after this issue of 1791 that he undertook the
construction of a terrestrial globe about 31 cm. in diameter, a copy of which
may be found in the Istituto di Fisico of the University of Siena.
We know that like his contemporary, Fortin, he also constructed armillary
spheres, one example of which it has been possible to locate. Fiorini thus
refers to it, his citation being given in free translation.178 It is a Copernican
sphere, that is, having a representation of the sun placed at the common
center of the armillae instead of a representation of the earth as in the
Ptolemaic sphere. It may be found in the palace of Sr. Scaramucci in S.
Maria a Monte in the province of Florence. Attached to a base of wood
about 20 cm. in height is an iron rod 35 cm. long. This rod passes through
the several rings, about which they can be revolved, each being in its
movement independent of the others. The first circle about the central sun

represents the orbit of Mercury, and has written upon it “Éloigné du Soleil
8537, incliné 7 degr., fait sa révolution en 87 jours, 23 heures, 50 m.” The
second represents the orbit of Venus, having written upon it the distance
15928½ diameters of the earth, inclination 3 degrees and 22 minutes; it
completes its revolution in 2224 days 16 hours and 41 minutes. In a space
much larger than that which separates the other circles, there is the orbit of
the earth, upon which is written that this planet passes over the ecliptic in
365 days 5 hours and 49 minutes, and that it is 22000 diameters distant
from the sun. This ring representing the orbit of the earth is opened for the
insertion of a representation of the moon, adjusted to revolve on an adjusted
pivot. Armillae have been provided representing the orbits of Mars, of
Jupiter, and of Saturn with statements concerning their respective distances
from the sun and their respective periods of revolution. The outer and larger
armillae represent the colures, the ecliptic, and the horizon, and on the last
the inscription, “À Paris chez Delamarche Géog. Rue du Foin Saint Jacques
au Collège de M re Gervais.”
In the year 1793 Vincenzo Rosa, a little-known Italian cosmographer,
constructed two terrestrial globes, the maps of which being in manuscript.
The spheres are of papier-mâché covered with a light coating of plaster.
Each of these globes has a diameter of about 100 cm. An inscription in
Italian reads, “Vincenzo Rosa fece nel 1793 n. 24. La geografia è quasi tutta
delle carte di Robert del Vaugondy e di De-la-Marche.” “Made by Vincent
Rosa in the year 1793 n. 24. The geographical information is almost entirely
from the maps of Robert de Vaugondy and of Delamarche.” One copy may
be found in the Biblioteca Universitario of Pavia, and the other in the Liceo
Foscolo of the same city. Fiorini notes that the “n. 24.” of the first is given
as “n. 21.” in the second.179
The last important globe maker of the eighteenth century in Italy was
Giovanni Maria Cassini (fl. 1790), an engraver, and a geographer of
distinction, to the truth of which statement his excellent work gives
testimony. As evidence of his interest in the matter of globe construction we
have the introduction to his ‘Nuovo atlante geografico universale ...,’
wherein he gives carefully devised rules for the construction of globe gores,
and in addition we still find a number of his completed globes, particularly
in Italian museums and libraries. These globes (Fig. 131), dated, the
terrestrial 1790, and the celestial 1792, have each a diameter of about 35

cm., each covering map being composed of twelve gores cut at latitude 80
degrees both north and south, the polar space having the usual circular disc
covering. Each is furnished with a brass meridian circle within which the
sphere may be revolved, an hour circle, a horizon circle, on the surface of
which are the usual concentric circles with the names of the several
zodiacal constellations, the names of the months, and the principal
directions. The terrestrial globe has an author and date legend reading,
“Globo terrestre delineato sulle ultime osservazioni con i viaggi e nuove
scoperte del Cap. Cook inglese. In Rome.”

Fig. 131. Terrestrial Globe of Giovanni Maria Cassini, 1790.

In The Hispanic Society’s collection is a terrestrial globe (Fig. 132), being a
solid wooden ball 21 cm. in diameter, over which has been pasted the gore
map composed of twelve sections, each cut at the parallel of 70 degrees
both north and south, the polar space being covered with circular discs each
forty degrees in diameter. It is neither signed nor dated but is clearly of
German origin, since practically all geographical names and legends are in
the German language. The title, placed within a circle to the west of

Australia, “Neu Holland,” reads “Die Erde nach den neusten Entdeckungen
und besten Charten entworfen.” Its date cannot be far from 1800, perhaps a
little later, seeing that it assigns the name “Nord Amerikanischer Staat” to
the region east of the Mississippi River, except to “Florida” which extends
westward to this river. We find but one actual date given, this referring to
the discovery of a small group of the “Gesellschafts Inseln,” reading “Inseln
welche die Spanier entdekt haben sollen 1773.” It is constructed to revolve
within a graduated meridian circle of brass and an octagonal horizon of
wood, on which are indicated in picture the twelve signs of the zodiac, the
calendar, and the thirty-two winds or directions, the whole resting on four
plain supports of wood strengthened below by light crossbars.

Fig. 132. Anonymous Terrestrial Globe, ca. 1800.

The map is one well drawn for the period, and the engraving of the several
names and legends has been most skilfully done. Regional names are
numerous, but there has not been an overcrowding of the map with minute
details. On the west coast of North America, for example, we find such
names as “Norfolk,” “Neu Cornwallis,” “Neu Hanover,” “Neu Georgia,”
“Neu Albion,” “Neu Navarre,” “Mexico oder Neu Spanien.” Central
America with the West Indies is called “Mittel America oder West Indien.”
In South America we find “Neu Granada,” “Peru,” “Chili,” “Brasilien,” but

“Prasilisches Meer.” Certain localities are especially distinguished by the
addition of color, as the coast of Australia except the southern coast, which
is marked with a dotted line. Many of the East Indian islands and the islands
of the Indian Ocean are outlined in color, as also the coast of “Vorder
Indien,” and “Hinter Indien,” the coast of “Arabien,” and certain other
sections. The geography of the interior of Africa is not as well represented
as on many an earlier map, a fact particularly noticeable with reference to
the Nile River. The prime meridian is made to pass through Cape Verde, to
the west of which, stretching practically along its entire length, we read
“Der Amerikanische Ocean.”
Among the globe makers of the eighteenth century whose work carries us
over into the nineteenth may be named William Cary (1759-1825).180 At
first associated with Ramsden, a renowned mechanic, he established
himself in an independent business in London in the year 1790. He is
reputed to have constructed the first transit circle made in England, which
circle had a diameter of two feet and was provided with a reading
microscope. One of his circles of the above date, 41 cm. in diameter, is
reported as belonging to the Observatory of Zürich. In addition to the
altitude, azimuth, sextant, reflecting and refracting telescopic, and
microscopic instruments made by him, he interested himself in the
construction of terrestrial and celestial globes. Those examples of his to
which reference may here be made do not appear to be of the highest order,
perhaps due to the fact that he was primarily an instrument maker and not a
geographer or an astronomer. Further, the majority of his globes which have
been located bear dates subsequent to the year 1800, and therefore do not
properly call for reference here.
In the private library of Sr. Vittorio Bianchini of Macerata four of the Cary
globes may be found, three celestial and one terrestrial dated 1799. A
celestial globe of the same date may be found in the Osservatorio
Astronomico of Rome, but its companion, a terrestrial globe, bears the date
1815. Extant Cary globes of the early nineteenth century may be considered
numerous.

NOTES

160 Nouvelle biographie générale, “Robert de Vaugondy, Gilles,” “Robert de Vaugondy, Didier,”
with references to their works.
161 Sanson was the author of numerous maps and atlases. His works are extensively referred to by
Phillips in his List of Geographical Atlases. See also list of his works in Britannica, “Sanson,
Nicolas.”
162 These are referred to in the preface of a work titled ‘Usages des Globes céleste et terrestre, faits
par ordre du Roi, par le S. Robert de Vaugondy, fils.’ Paris, 1751.
163 See work referred to in preceding note.
164 Cited by Fiorini, Sfere terrestri e celesti, p. 417, n. 2.
165 Fiorini, op. cit., p. 419.
166 Fiorini, op. cit., p. 421.
167 John Flamsteed (1646-1719) was the first astronomer royal, author of ‘Atlas Coelestis’ and other
works treating of astronomical subjects. The figures of the several constellations appearing in this
atlas were drawn by James Thornhill. Artistically they are not equal to those appearing in Hevelius’
Prodromus astronomiae.
168 Akerman, A. Globes céleste et terrestre de vingt-deux pouces. Upsala, 1766.
169 Poppe. Ausfürliche Geschichte der Anwendung aller krummen Linien in mechanischen Künsten
und in der Architektur. Nürnberg, 1882. p. 65.
170 Letter and information from the Librarian dated Jan. 14, 1914.
171 Reference to his publications in Nouvelle biographie, “Bonne, Rigobert.”
172 Nouvelle biographie, “Lalande, Joseph Jerome.” This is an excellent article with references to
his numerous publications. His ‘Bibliographie astronomique,’ Paris, 1803, has been of particular
value in the preparation of this work. See also Nouveaux globes, céleste et terrestre, d’un pied de
diamètre par M. De la Lande et M. Bonne, avec l’explication en une brochure in-12. Paris, 1775.
Lalande, op. cit., refers to a work titled ‘Usage du Planétaire ou sphère mouvante de Copernic, qui se
trove chez Fortin, ingénieur-mécanicien du Roi.’ Paris, 1773. Fortin issued a French edition of
Flamsteed’s Atlas under the title ‘Atlas céleste de Flamsteed approuvé par l’Académie Royale des
Sciences. Seconde édition par M. J. Fortin Ingénieur-Mécanicien du Roi et de la Famille Royale pour
les Globes et les Sphères.’ Paris, 1776.
173 Nouvelle biographie, “Messier, Charles,” with a very long list of his publications.
174 Adams, G. A treatise describing and explaining the construction and the use of new celestial and
terrestrial globes, designed to illustrate in the most easy manner the phenomena of the earth and
heavens, with a great variety of astronomical and geographical problems. London, 1766; A treatise on
the construction of globes. London, 1769; Geometrical and geographical essays, containing a
description of mathematical instruments. London, 1791; Astronomical and geographical essays.
London, 1795.
175 We find that Nathl. Hill engraved the title-page and maps in an atlas by Lewis Morris. Plans and
Harbours, etc. London, 1748.
176 Fiorini, op. cit., p. 439.

177 Delamarche, C. F. Les usages de la Sphère et des Globes céleste et terrestre. Paris, 1791.
178 Fiorini, op. cit., p. 432.
179 Fiorini, op. cit., p. 441.
180 Dictionary of National Biography, “Cary, William”; Wolf, Geschichte der Astronomie, pp. 562,
563.

Chapter XIV

The Technic of Globe Construction—Materials and
Methods
General problems to be met.—Development from the simple armilla to the complex sphere.—
The references of Ptolemy, Leontius Mechanicus, Alfonso.—Behaim’s leadership in practical
globe making.—Materials employed.—Experiments in map projection.—The beginning and
rapid development of globe-gore construction.—Various examples of early gore maps.—
Equatorial polar and ecliptic polar mountings.—Special features of celestial globe maps.—
Globe mountings.—Varying sizes of globes.—The uses of globes.—Moon globes and
planetariums.

I
N this concluding chapter it is not proposed to consider in detail the
technical features of globe construction, as these features have
presented themselves in the long period which has been under review;
the rather to give, somewhat in the nature of a summary, a general word as
to the development of the simple armilla of the ancients, “in continued
succession, receiving ripeness and perfection” in such celestial spheres as
were those of Mohammed ben Helal, of Tycho, of Hondius, or of Blaeu;
into the terrestrial spheres of Schöner, of Mercator, of Greuter, or of
Coronelli.
We have seen that during these years there were problems mechanical,
mathematical, and artistic continually arising, in the solution of which talent
of a high order was often exhibited; problems having to do with the kind of
material to be employed, with the shaping and the graduation of the rings or
circles, with the construction of the supporting bases which entered into the
completed product, with the engraving of the map on the surface of the
metal sphere, or with the designing and the engraving of the plates for the
printing of the map to be used in covering the prepared ball, and the fitting
of the same to its curved surface.
The principal astronomical instrument employed by such ancient
astronomers as Eudoxus, Timocharis, and Hipparchus appears to have been
at first but a single metal ring, perhaps of brass. At any rate their
instruments must have been exceedingly simple, perhaps the simplest form
of the astrolabe (Fig. 133), yet they sufficed as aids in the solution of such
astronomical problems as suggested themselves in that early day. The

addition of a second ring to the simple instrument gave further aid to the
observer in his efforts to determine the declination and the right ascension
of any of the heavenly bodies. These rings came to be considered, the first
as a celestial meridian circle, the second as a celestial horizon circle, and in
the passing years others were added to represent the ecliptic, the colures,
the tropics, the polar circles, and the orbits of the several planets, until we
have the fully developed armillary sphere of a Vopel or a Santucci.181

Fig. 133. Astrolabe.

Relative to globes proper in antiquity, it will have been noted that in general
there is an element of uncertainty as to their exact character, which speaks
out in the numerous allusions to them. None has survived to our day save
the Atlante Farnese. This globe of marble is not so mounted as to permit its
revolution, resting as it does upon the shoulders of the mythical Atlas, yet in
its representation of the figures of the several constellations, then
recognized by astronomers, it differs practically but little from the celestial
globes, that is, solid spheres, constructed a millennium and a half later.182
We cannot, however, draw the conclusion from this one example that such

globes were generally looked upon as practical instruments for use in
astronomical studies, yet there clearly were those who did so regard them.
Doubtless the globe or globes to which Ptolemy alludes were intended to be
of practical value. He tells us they should be constructed of brass, and as
before noted, he describes the use and the construction of such instruments.
Like the maps he probably made, though none survives, it is not difficult,
from his description, to reconstruct them. Such celestial globes as Ptolemy
may have prepared were doubtless adjustable, but were not made to revolve
by mechanical device such as we frequently meet with in globes of the
seventeenth and the eighteenth centuries, nor were they like the mechanical
contrivance of Archimedes, clearly intended to represent the movements of
the celestial bodies, and perhaps their movements relative to the earth. No
description of Archimedes’ mechanism survives by means of which it could
now be reproduced with anything like a satisfactory degree of certainty.
The allusions of Leontius Mechanicus, referred to in Chapter III, read like a
globe maker’s instructions of the eighteenth century. He knew his Ptolemy
whom he followed in the main, but he wrote as one who clearly did not
sense the approaching decline of interest in the physical sciences.
And what can be said of the methods and the materials for globe making
during the period of the so-called middle ages? The survivals, and these are
only of the later years of the period, are of Arabic origin, which, without
exception, appear to have been intended primarily for use in astronomical
studies. They are either armillary spheres, or metal balls, on the surface of
which are the engraved representations of the starry heavens, with the
figures of the several constellations. Without a known exception these are
of small size, and if furnished at all with mounting, only that of a simple
character. There is reason for thinking that such astronomical instruments
were made in great numbers, and that they were to be found in practically
all Arabic observatories.183
The interesting allusions in King Alfonso’s ‘Libros del Saber de
Astronomia,’ from which citations may be found in our Chapter IV, give us
information concerning both methods and materials which might be
employed in globe construction in his day. It is not there stated that the
author had information concerning the actual use of the more than twenty

named materials which might be chosen for their manufacture. He does,
however, lead us to infer that there may have been experiments by his
contemporaries in which trial was made of the fitness of the several
materials named, his conclusion being that wood or brass was the most
suitable.
It has previously been noted that globes appear to have been made now and
then for use in the monastic schools, but we find no detailed description of
their special character. Here and there, it is true, may be found reference to
the adjustability of their parts, and to their rings which made them
serviceable for furthering astronomical studies. The inference is fair that the
globes of these Christian schools were armillary spheres, and were not solid
or hollow balls on the surface of which the starry firmament or the earth
had been depicted.
Behaim’s globe of the year 1492 seems to represent a radical departure in
globe construction. His idea appears to have been novel. He employed a
mould in the making of his globe ball, and over the surface of this
completed ball pasted irregular strips of parchment which furnished a
suitable ground for the draughting of the map with its geographical outlines
and its artistic adornments in color. Behaim’s globe mounting was of the
simplest character, consisting of a metal meridian circle within which the
sphere could be revolved, a horizon circle of like material, the whole resting
upon a tripod base. Although effort was made to establish in Nürnberg an
institute wherein globe making might be taught especially, the plan seems
not to have carried, and such as were later produced in this city were merely
the output of the mathematical instrument maker’s shop or of the
geographical establishments.
Throughout all the early years of the modern period, metal globes continued
to find favor, to the making of which skilled workmen in the thriving
industrial centers of Southern Germany, Southeastern France, Northern
Switzerland, and Northern Italy set themselves. Brass, copper, silver, and
gold were employed very frequently in their construction, the last-named
metals being used in the making of globes primarily for ornamental
purposes.184 Globes with manuscript maps, as before noted, seemed to find
especial favor in Italy, in the making of which much artistic skill was
displayed. The spheres for such globes were usually of wood either solid or

hollow, of well-fashioned strips of wood, canvas covered, the whole
carefully glued and braced that the spherical shape might not be affected
with time. In the preparation of the sphere to receive the manuscript map,
workmen proceeded much as did Behaim, pasting over its surface irregular
strips of parchment or paper, adding occasionally a groundwork of paint
suitable for taking the sketch of the draughtsman. As the years passed, and
the engraved map found increasing favor, practically all globe balls, with
exceptions as noted above, were made either of plaster shot through and
through with a binding material, usually of fiber, and fashioned over a
mould, or of a preparation of papier-mâché.
The increasing interest in globes and globe making manifesting itself in the
early years of the sixteenth century led to the devising of methods for their
more rapid construction. If the opening years of the sixteenth century
witnessed a rapid expansion of geographical knowledge, none the less did
they witness an improvement in the making of maps wherein this expanding
knowledge could fittingly be recorded. It is interesting to note how rapidly
change was made from one method of map draughting to another in the
search for a projection which might prove itself to be altogether suitable. As
a result of this striving we have for example the projection of Donnus
Nicolas Germanus employed in his maps of the geographer Ptolemy, and
often referred to as the Donis projection.185 Then we find the stereographic
meridional186 and the stereographic polar,187 the cordiform single and
double188 which seem to have been a development from the orthographic
projection well represented in the map of Johannes Stabius (Fig. 45) who
appears to have been the first to give the method prominence. In addition to
the projections mentioned there were many modifications, to suit the
notions of the draughtsmen, which were employed in the early sixteenth
century.189 With the fuller realization of the fact that the earth is a sphere,
the desire accurately to represent in the maps its spherical surface continued
to seek for expression, an expression that would do least violence to the fact
that the degrees of latitude and longitude vary in length, particularly those
of longitude as one passes from the equator toward the poles or from the
poles toward the equator. If the earth is a sphere then why could a map so
draughted as truly to represent the surface of a sphere not be counted the
most acceptable? This must have been the argument of those who especially

applied themselves to the designing of maps suitable for a spherical surface,
that is, for application to a globe ball.
Who first conceived the idea of fashioning globe gore maps we do not
know. Fiorini cites evidence190 that Francesco Rosselli (1445-1510), a
printer of large and small maps in Florence, included in his productions
gore maps to be used in globe construction, and this probably before the
year 1507, but none of his work of this character has come down to us. The
so-called Waldseemüller gores are the oldest known, of which but one copy
is extant.191 By some they are thought to have been constructed for his
globe to which he refers in his ‘Cosmographiae Introductio,’ but they are
unsigned and undated. They are somewhat crude and much manipulation
would be required to fit them to the surface of a sphere. Before the first
quarter of the sixteenth century had passed other globe gore maps made
their appearance, such as those undoubtedly the work of Schöner or of the
Schönerian school, or such as the gores of Boulengier192 exquisitely
engraved and printed, though so far as we know never used in covering the
surface of a sphere.
The artist Albrect Dürer (1471-1528), as we are informed, was one of the
earliest to set himself to the solution of the problem having to do with the
development of a spherical surface into a flat surface, yet he never seems to
have thought an exact mathematical solution possible. It was a problem, he
realized, in which there could be but an approximate solution. In trying to
illustrate what he thought to be the nearest approach to the same he found
himself led to the idea of the globe gore.193 Of his illustration, he said, “Die
sphera oder ein Kugel wenn man sie durch jr mittag linien zerschneydet,
und in Planum legt, so gewinnt sie ein Gestalt eines Kam, wie ich das hie
hat auffgerissen.” “Should one divide the sphere or ball on the line of the
equator and lay this out as a plane, one has the figure of a comb, as is here
shown.” Dürer worked out a simple rule for the construction of the globe
biangles,194 which rule served measurably well for the purpose intended.
While it would not be inappropriate to give here a résumé of his formula, as
well as the formulae of others who set themselves to a like task, we should
in so doing be carried into a field rather more technical than seems fitting
for our purpose.195

Two years after Dürer had published his observations on this subject
Henricus Loriti Glareanus (1488-1551) issued a small treatise on
geography,196 devoting his Chapter XIX bearing title ‘De inducendo papyro
in globo’ to globe-gore construction. He proposed the employment of
twelve gores or biangles (Fig. 134) so arranged for printing that the shorter
diameter of each should represent 30 degrees of longitude, the sum
therefore representing 360 degrees or the equatorial circumference of the
globe they were intended to cover; the longer diameter of each gore
representing the semicircumference of the globe and extending from pole to
pole, that is, a meridian. We do not know that his formula for gore
construction was closely followed by any globe maker of the period, nor
does Glareanus himself appear to have attempted a practical application of
his method, at least we have no evidence that he ever actually attempted to
construct a globe. He, however, had made an important contribution toward
the solution of the problem of how best to multiply these instruments which
were increasingly recognized as of great value in geographical and
astronomical studies. The general method of gore map making rapidly
found favor despite such practical difficulties, for example, as arose from
the peculiarity inseparable from the quality inherent in any and all paper,
that is, its irregular expansion when moistened. This difficulty the globe
makers, of course, were continually seeking to overcome or reduce to a
minimum, as the years passed, through a careful selection of paper to be
used, through a more skilful manipulation of the paper made moist by the
application of the paste or glue employed in attaching the map to the
surface of the sphere,197 and through a more careful working out of the
mathematical problem having to do with the proper proportions of each of
the gores.

Fig. 134. Globe Gores of Henricus Glareanus, 1527.

Dürer had proposed the employment of sixteen segments, Waldseemüller,
Schöner, Boulengier, and Glareanus had thought twelve a more suitable
number. As the years passed we find a preference manifesting itself now for
twelve, now for sixteen, now for eighteen, twenty-four, or thirty-six with a

more common preference for the smaller number. The several biangles for
the maps alluded to above were fashioned to extend from pole to pole in
what we may call the equatorial system; Mercator, as has been noted,
introduced the novel idea of truncating his gores twenty degrees from each
pole, preparing as a covering for the remaining polar space a circular disc,
having the required diameter of forty degrees.198 This plan he proposed for
the practical reason that a paper covering for a sphere so constructed could
be applied with greater ease and with greater accuracy than one consisting
of complete biangular figures, remembering the tendency of the paper to
expand and the difficulty in avoiding folds.
As there was much inclination among map makers to experiment in the
matter of map projection so there was an inclination to experiment, as the
years passed, in the matter of design for the globe gores. In the so-called Da
Vinci gores we find them drawn in two groups of four each (Fig. 135), and
instead of the globe biangle we have the globe equilateral triangle. Their
application to a spherical surface could only have been made with difficulty,
if at all; indeed we cannot be certain that in so outlining a map of the world
the draughtsman’s intention was to use it in globe construction. The plan
seems never to have been followed by any of the other map makers, or by
any globe maker. We find an interesting early instance in which the gore
map construction was clearly employed merely as a method for plane map
making, a method having certain very commendable features (Fig. 136).
The author of this map is unknown.

Fig. 135. Gore Map of Leonardo da Vinci, ca. 1515.

Fig. 136. Anonymous Globe Gores in Plane Map Construction, ca. 1550.

In referring to unusual forms in gore construction attention may again be
called to the map of Alonso de Santa Cruz and to that of Antonius
Florianus, in which maps the plan was hemispherical,199 the central point in
the construction of each hemisphere, a northern and a southern, being the
pole, the circumference of the circle in which the thirty-six gores were
drawn, representing the equator. But again we do not know that such a gore
map was ever employed in globe construction though the method, it seems,
would lend itself to that end.
It can be readily understood that numerous modifications in the matter of
globe-gore construction and their application to the surface of the sphere,
more or less detailed in character, were introduced as the years passed, but
the modifications were by no means at all times in the line of
improvement.200 The technical skill of the present day does not surpass that
which one occasionally finds exhibited in the work of some three hundred
years ago.
In the matter of geographical record terrestrial globe maps stand with the
plane maps of the same period. While they are by no means as numerous as

the plane maps, there attaches to them an importance no less historically
significant. Not infrequently they give us records not to be found elsewhere.
In their general features, differences can hardly be said to exist between
plane maps and globe maps. In the matter of adornment there is similarity;
each following the practice of the time when constructed. As pictures and
legends hold a place of prominence, particularly on mediaeval maps,201 so
even to the close of the period we have had under consideration, that is, the
end of the eighteenth century, these adornments have place on globe maps,
sometimes few, sometimes many, the same, if in picture, exhibiting the
inhabitants of land and sea, if merely a legend, giving information of
geographical importance on the terrestrial globe and of astronomical
importance on the celestial, these legends being often placed in an artistic
cartouch.
To the printed or engraved globe map, color was generally added by hand
with an effect often very artistic, in contrast with which the modern
machine methods of color printing are deplorably crude.
On most terrestrial globe maps meridian circles are represented at intervals
of ten, twenty, or thirty degrees, the prime meridian on which the degrees of
latitude are marked being usually made very conspicuous, and to the close
of the period under consideration usually made to pass through the Cape
Verde Islands or the Canaries, a point always to be carefully noted in
attempting to get a reading for the longitude of any particular place.
Parallels are usually drawn at intervals similar to those of meridians, the
equator on which the degrees of longitude are marked, the tropics, and the
polar circles being always conspicuous. The ecliptic or zodiac is usually
indicated encircling the globe from the solstitial point on the tropics,
intersecting the equator at the two opposite equinoctial points, through
which as through the solstitial points the colures are made to pass.
Hues states that “Those lines which a ship, following the direction of the
Magnetic Needle, describeth on the surface of the Sea, Petrus Nonius
calleth in the Latin Rumbos, borrowing the appellation of his Countrymen
the Portugals; which word, since it is now generally received by learned
writers to express them by, we also will use the same,” that is, rhumbs or
rhumb-lines.

These were represented on the globe, first by Mercator, by greater or lesser
circles or “winding lines,” and were intended to be of aid to seamen in
navigating from port to port across the great oceans. In their representation
on the globe map cognizance was taken of the fact that all meridians of all
places pass through both poles, crossing the equator therefore at right
angles and all other circles parallel to it, and that if the navigator’s course is
in any other direction than toward one of the poles he is continually
changing his horizon and his meridian. The rhumbs as drawn were made to
cut all meridians of all places at equal angles and to respect the same
quarters of the world, that is, direction, whatever the horizon. Rhumbs can
represent great circles only when they coincide with the equator or with any
meridian.202
In the matter of draughting, printing, and mounting celestial globe gore
maps the method employed may in general be said to be identical with that
followed in terrestrial globe construction. It should, however, be noted that
in pasting the gores on the surface of the sphere they were often so applied
as to have their points or angles meet at the pole of the ecliptic, in what may
be called the ecliptic system, instead of applying them to meet at the poles
of the equator, the globe itself being generally so mounted as to revolve in
the equatorial system, its poles of revolution being attached to the meridian
circle.203
The figures of the several constellations were usually drawn with care,
occasionally with high artistic taste, as those drawn by Hevelius (Fig. 137)
and copied by Gerhard and Leonhard Valk for their celestial globes (Fig.
138). The several stars represented on the map, the majority of them being
either lettered or named, were usually from the first to the sixth magnitude,
each represented in its proportional size, while an explanatory table for the
several magnitudes was usually given on some one of the gores. The stars
and the figures of the several constellations, let it be noted, were not made
to appear on the surface of the sphere, with rare exceptions, in their relative
location as they appear to the observer who beholds them from his position
on the surface of the earth, but are reversed. To the astronomer the earth is
but a point in space, to the layman, so far as mere appearance is concerned,
it is the center about which the starry heavens appear to revolve. With the
pole (north for us in the northern hemisphere) as the center of the dial face

the stars appear to move in a direction the reverse of that in which the hands
of a clock are made to move. The astronomer, that is, the celestial globe
maker, thinks of himself as placed beyond the vaulted heavens in which the
stars appear to be located, and as looking down upon this vaulted dome as
on the surface of his celestial globe. An illustration may here well serve us.
As one observes serves Ursa Major on any starry night, which constellation
we commonly call the Great Dipper, the bowl of the dipper, which is
located in the body and flank of the bear, leads in its apparent motion
around the pole star, being followed by the handle of the dipper or the tail
of the bear (Fig. 139). On the surface of the celestial sphere, however, the
position of bowl and handle was usually reversed, the constellation
appearing as it would to the beholder who finds himself beyond the stars.
Naturally the planets could not be represented on the surface of a solid
celestial sphere; only in the armillary sphere or the orrery could they find
place. In these instruments we generally find them represented, each with
its circle or orbit properly given, and relatively properly placed.

Fig. 137. Portrait of Johann Hevelius (Hevel).

Fig. 138. Constellation Ursa Major.

Fig. 139. Constellation of Orion by Hevelius.

In the geographical records as they appear on the several terrestrial globe
maps, it is to be admitted that the authors, with rare exceptions, undertook
to set down what they thought to be fact, shall we say the real tangible
geographical fact or facts. The maker of the star map, on the contrary,
clearly gave his imagination play, not in his attempt to mark in the proper
location the several stars as they came to be known and catalogued, but in
the draughting of the figures of the several constellations. The imaginative
figures of the ancients, of Eudoxus, of Aratus, of Ptolemy and others

survived throughout the period we have had under consideration, and to the
forty-eight constellations of Ptolemy others from time to time were added
until more than one hundred have been named and figured. In general the
several constellations, as the various astronomers and makers of star maps
have conceived them, may be said to be identical, while some of the names
which have been proposed have been accepted but for a time only and then
rejected. Some of the groups to which names have been given have later
been divided, thus giving rise to a new group name and to the draughting of
an appropriate figure for this new group.204
Attention has been called to certain suggested changes in the names of
constellations as given by the ancients, as for example those suggested by
the Venerable Bede, by Johannes Bayer, by Julius Schiller proposing that
biblical or Christian names should be substituted for pagan names, and for
these changes there was of course suggested an appropriate change in the
figures for the several constellations. The proposal of Erhard Weigel has
likewise been noted urging a substitution of the several coats of arms or
heraldic devices of the European dynasties for the figures which had been
so long and so generally accepted. There seems scarcely to be the need of
stating that the names and figures of the ancients remain.205
A comparison of the work of the several artists who have set their hand to
the draughting of figures for the numerous constellations is not without
interest. Attention may here be directed in passing to the decidedly oriental
cast of these figures as they appear on Arabic globes.206
It is to be regretted that in the present very practical or scientific day the star
map, wanting the figures of the constellations or giving them in but the
faintest outline, has come to supplant the artistic and not unscientific
creations of earlier years.
The earliest references we have to globes, that is, to solid balls or spheres,
make mention of their mountings, that is, to their encasing circles and their
bases. The simplest mounting consisted of but a meridian and a horizon
circle with probably a simple supporting base. The earliest spheres were
doubtless made to revolve just as the globes of today, around their polar
axes which turn within sockets firmly attached to the meridian circle. This
meridian circle of brass or wood was usually graduated from one to ninety

degrees, that is, from the equator to the poles, and being adjustable relative
to the horizon circle, a globe could be set with a polar elevation for any
desired latitude. Those who have had occasion to refer to the construction
and the uses of the globe more or less in detail, make mention of what they
call its threefold position. In the first of these positions either pole may be at
the vertical point, the equator and the horizon being parallel or coinciding.
This they termed a parallel sphere. In the second position the equator and
the horizon circle are set at right angles. This they called a right sphere. In
the third position, which was called an oblique sphere, the pole could be set
at any elevation from zero to ninety degrees, counting from the horizon
circle. In illustration of this third position it may be said that for the latitude
of New York City, the north pole More conspicuous by reason of its width
and importance in the mounting of the globe than the meridian is the
horizon circle. It is through notches in this circle at the north and south
points that the meridian circle passes, the notches also serving as gauges to
keep the meridian from inclining more to the one side of the horizon circle
than to the other. On the upper surface of this circle there were usually
represented several concentric circles, the same being either engraved
thereon, if it were of metal, and printed or pasted thereon if of wood, just as
the globe map proper which covered the surface of the sphere. The number
of concentric circles, and the information carried in each, varied, nor was
the order of the circles invariably the same. Those globes giving fullest
information exhibit ten or more of these circles. That one which was
innermost and next to the body of the globe was divided into twelve parts,
each part carrying the name of one of the signs of the zodiac with its
character, and each divided into thirty equal parts or degrees, these being
numbered by tens, as 0, 10, 20, 30. Next to the circle of signs, always
remembering that the order might vary, was that containing the calendar
including the names of the months, as January, February, March, etc., the
days of the week being either distinguished by numbers or names. The old
calendar was likewise usually given and so represented as to show the
beginning of each month ten days earlier than in the new calendar. Here
also were given the names of the church festival days. In the next circle
were the names of the winds or directions, and first the Greek, Latin or
Italian names of the eight, twelve or sixteen winds, as Greco, Libeccio,
Ponente, Maestro, and next the names or initials of the thirty-two compass
directions, the same generally in English or Dutch abbreviations. It may

further be noted that a compass was often fixed in the horizon circle’s upper
face. of the globe should be elevated 40 degrees 48 minutes above this
circle.
A complete globe was further furnished with a quadrant of altitude, ninety
degrees in length, this being attached at one end to the meridian circle, yet
movable to any degree of the meridian, though commonly set at the zenith.
This quadrant served for measuring altitudes or for finding amplitudes or
azimuths.

The small hour circle,207 fitted to the meridian, its center being the pole and
for us the north, was marked with the twenty-four hours of the day, each
hour being again divided into halves and quarters. An index attached to the
axis of the globe pointed out successively the hours as the globe was
revolved. The use of this hour circle was to indicate the time of the
successive mutations, including the rising and the setting of the celestial
bodies and the time of their passing successively the meridians.
As a compass was often set into the horizon circle so also we frequently
find a large or small compass set into that plate which in certain globes was
employed as a support, tying together, as it were, the lower extremities of
the base columns.208
It will have been noted that the globes referred to in the preceding pages
varied greatly as to size, from the small ball representing the earth, and but
a few centimeters in diameter, to be found in the center of those armillary
spheres representing the Ptolemaic geocentric system, to the great globe of
Coronelli fifteen feet in diameter constructed for Louis XIV of France. With
rare exceptions metal globes were made small in size. Those globe balls or
spheres, in the construction of which a mould was employed, usually had a
diameter under 50 cm., although we find some of them twice this size. Such
spheres had the advantage of lightness though often were frail in structure
and liable to lose their perfect sphericity.

Fig. 140. Terrestrial Globe Gores by Johannes Oterschaden, ca. 1675.

In the matter of special ornamentation or decoration, to be observed in
globe mountings, individual taste was given unlimited freedom to express
itself, and in certain instances it will have been noted that these mountings
were exceedingly elaborate.
Primarily we may say that globes were constructed for the useful purpose of
promoting geographical and astronomical studies, generally recording the
latest and best geographical or astronomical information and in form
superior to that which could be set down on the plane map, but they also
had a place of importance, secondary we may call it, on account of their
decorative value. They came to be considered almost essential as
adornments for the libraries of princes, of prosperous patricians, and of
plodding students, and their mountings were often especially fashioned for

the places they were to occupy. They seemed to lend an air of scholarly
respectability; to suggest that their possessors wished to pay, certainly a
modicum of homage to the sciences which globes were calculated to
promote.
A brief concluding word may well be added touching those globes which
may of course be classed as celestial, but which are known as moon globes
and planetariums or orreries. There could be no practical value in an
attempt to set forth a map of the surface of the stars, nor of the planets while
our knowledge is so limited, although Schiaparelli has undertaken, with
measurable success, to map the surface of Mars,209 and it would be next in
order to construct a Mars globe. Of the surface of our moon much is known
and maps of it have been constructed, as indeed have been moon globes. We
are informed that about the middle of the seventeenth century the Danish
astronomer, Hevelius, who designed so successfully star maps, entertained
the idea of constructing a moon globe,210 but we do not know that he set his
hand to the work. A century later it appears that the French astronomer La
Hire actually completed a moon globe,211 but it has been possible to obtain
only the briefest reference to it.
Tobias Mayer of Nürnberg, a contemporary of La Hire, set himself to the
draughting of gore maps212 intended for use in the manufacture of moon
globes. Mayer found employment in the Homann establishment of
Nürnberg, being regarded as an exceedingly skilful draughtsman, able to
sketch on his draughting sheet that which he saw through his telescope. His
plan contemplated the making of twelve gores or segments, six for the
northern half of the moon and six for the southern. His plan, of course,
would enable him to represent but one side of the moon,—that turned
toward the earth,—although it appeared that he contemplated the addition
of two segments on which, in at least a fragmentary manner, he was to
represent what we may call the border of the opposite side of the moon.
Mayer seems not to have completed his work, since we find nowhere an
example of his finished product.
It was not until near the close of the eighteenth that we again meet with an
attempt to construct a moon globe and it seems that the task was
accomplished by the Englishman, John Russel. It was in the year 1796 that

he proposed to raise by subscription the necessary funds for making his
undertaking a success. His globe has a diameter of 12 inches,213 and was
furnished with the necessary adjustable shield that the moon’s waxing and
waning could be represented. That this moon globe was actually
constructed, although no copy has been located, we are informed by Wolf.
Such attempts as were made in the nineteenth century with a good measure
of success do not here call for consideration.
It has been previously noted that the so-called globe of Archimedes may
have been a sort of planetarium, and that during the middle ages such
instruments were constructed and employed in astronomical instruction.
None, however, have come down to us out of those early years.
Astronomers of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, as we know, made
frequent use of planetariums, such for example as were constructed by the
Dutch astronomer, Christiaan Haygens (1629-1695) for the illustration of
planetary motion according to the Copernican system. Each of the planets
was represented in his machine by a small ball, attached to an arm, which
could be made to move through an orbit around the sun. In the more
complicated machines the several planetary moons, such as the moons of
Jupiter, were represented and were made to perform their proper motions.

Fig. 141. Celestial Globe Gores by Johannes Oterschaden, ca. 1675.

Fig. 142. Engraved Sections for Globe Horizon Circle by Johannes Oterschaden, ca. 1675.

In the eighteenth century the instrument maker, George Graham (1675-
1751), constructed a complicated planetarium, in honor of Charles Boyle,
Earl of Orrery (1676-1731), which he called an orrery. His machines,
varying much in the character of construction, were especially popular in
the eighteenth century. The nineteenth century saw them frequently in use
for purposes of instruction and the regret may well be expressed that for
serious purposes they seem to have lost favor.

Fig. 143. The Orrery.

NOTES
181 See Fig. 56, I, 116.
182 Compare for example Figs. 8 and 89.
183 Consult the ‘Fihrist’ referred to in Chap. III, n. 4.
184 Note such examples as the globe of Robertus de Bailly, I, 108, the Lenox globe, I, 72, the Nancy
globe, I, 102, and the Morgan globe in the Metropolitan Museum, I, 200.
185 See Fig. 3.

186 See Fig. 43.
187 See Apianus’ Cosmographicus liber.
188 As for example the World map of Mercator of the year 1538, an original copy of which may be
found in the New York Public Library, also a copy in the Library of The American Geographical
Society.
189 D’Avezac, M. A. P. Coup d’oeil historique sur la projection des cartes de géographie. (In:
Bulletin de la Société de Géographie de Paris. Paris, 1863, pp. 274 ff.); Breusing, A. Das Verebnen
der Kugeloberfläche. Leipzig, 1892; Zondervan, H. Allgemeine Kartenkunde. Leipzig, 1891; Fiorini,
M. Le projezioni delle carte geografiche. Bologna, 1881. The literature relative to map projection is
very extensive.
190 Fiorini. Sfere terrestri e celesti. pp. 93-102.
191 See Fig. 32.
192 See Fig. 40.218
193 Dürer, A. Underweysung der Mesung mit dem Zirkel und Richtscheyd, in Linien ebnen und
ganzen Corporen. Nürnberg, 1525.
194 Buchlein, pp. 5 ff.
195 Consult Günther. Erd- und Himmelsgloben. pp. 72-73; Kästner. Geschichte der Mathematik. Vol.
I, p. 684.
See Günther, op. cit., chaps, vii, x, xii, xiii, xiv, with numerous references.
196 Henrici Glareani poetae laureati de geographia liber unus. Basileae, 1527.
197 There is an interesting bit of information given by Coronelli in his ‘Epitome Cosmografica’
relative to the making of an adhesive material for use in the mounting of globe maps.
198 See Fig. 61.
199 See Figs. 59 and 66.
200 Such, for example, as might consist of zonal strips, one for the torrid, one for each of the
temperate, and one for each of the polar zones. Such strips perhaps could not properly be termed
gores.
201 Pictures are a particularly striking feature of the cloister maps of the middle ages. The idea of
such adornments may have come down from Greek or Roman days. Plutarch tells us in his ‘Theseus’
that “Geographers crowd into the edge of their maps parts of the world about which they have no
knowledge, adding notes in the margins to the effect that only deserts full of wild beasts and
impassable marshes lie beyond.” Jonathan Swift, humorously referring to maps of the early period,
writes:
“So geographers in Afric maps
With savage pictures fill their gaps
And o’er unhabitable downs
Place elephants for want of towns.”
The early map makers as illustrators should be an interesting theme for a special monograph.

202 Nonius, P. De arte atque ratione navigandi. Conimbriae, 1573, lib. II, c. xxi, xxiv; Hues.
Tractatus de Globis (Hakluyt Soc. Pub.). pp. 127-147.
203 For illustration of the method, see Fig. 89.
204 Burritt, L. H. The geography of the heavens. New York, 1833; Allen, R. H. Star names and their
meanings; Wolf. Geschichte der Astronomie. pp. 188-191, 420-427; Olcott, W. T. Starlore of all ages.
New York. 1911.
205 The literature relating to this particular branch of astronomy is extensive. Wolf, loc. cit., with
references.
206 See especially Fig. 13.
207 See Fig. 121a.
208 See Fig. 88.
209 Wolf, R. Handbuch der Astronomie, ihre Geschichte und Litteratur. Zürich, 1893. pp. 451 ff.;
Frobesius. Bibliographie Selenographorum. Helmstädt, 1718.
210 Hevelius, J. Selenographiae sive Lunae descriptio. Danzig, 1647. pp. 492 ff.; Béziat, L. C. La vie
et les travaux de Jean Hévélius.
211 Lalande. Bibliographie astronomique, “La Hire.”
212 Mayer, T. Abhandlung über die Umwälzung des Mondes um seine Achse und die scheinbare
Bewegung der Mondflecke. Nürnberg, 1750; same, Bericht von den Mondskugeln, welche bei der
kosmographischen Gesellschaft219 in Nürnberg aus neuen Beobachtungen verfertigt werden.
Nürnberg, 1750.
213 Russel, J. A description of the selenographia, an apparatus for exhibiting the phaenomena of the
moon; together with an account of some of the purposes to which it may be applied. London, 1797.
In his effort to obtain funds for the construction of his globe he issued an announcement which he
called a “Proposal for publishing by subscription a Globe of the Moon.”

Bibliographical List

T HE following bibliographical list includes the works referred to in the
body of the foregoing pages, with certain additions of those touching
incidentally globe making and globe makers. It is a suggestive list, not one
that can be called exhaustive. Practically all those works in which the
subject of geography and of astronomy has been treated historically may be
consulted with interest and profit.
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