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Kirchers book on optics, 1671 edition
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Kirchers book on optics, 1671 edition
Kirchers book on optics. Title page of the 1671 edition of Ars Magna Lucis et Umbrae (The Great Art of Light and Darkness) by the German Jesuit scholar Athanasius Kircher (circa 1601-1680). This two-volume work (divided into ten books) was first published in 1646. It is about optics and magic lanterns, and also included observations of the Sun. The Latin text names the author and his birthplace of Buchonia near Fulda. The artwork shows intersecting cones of light, with a biblical quote on darkness and light (Latin Vulgate, Psalm 138), with Greek and Hebrew text above it. At bottom is the Amsterdam publisher Jansson-Waesberg and the publication date
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Media ID 9245393
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1600s 1646 17th Century Ars Magna Athanasius Kircher Book German Greek Hebrew Jesuit Latin Text Optics Page Publication Text Title Page 1671 Athanasii Kircheri Biblical Quote Dutch Edition Fulda Magic Lanterns Physical
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This print showcases the title page of the 1671 edition of Athanasius Kircher's book on optics, "Ars Magna Lucis et Umbrae" (The Great Art of Light and Darkness). Kircher, a German Jesuit scholar born in Buchonia near Fulda around 1601, first published this two-volume work in 1646. The illustration features intersecting cones of light, symbolizing the study of optics and magic lanterns. Above them are Greek and Hebrew texts, adding an air of mystique to the composition. At the bottom of the artwork, we find the publisher Jansson-Waesberg from Amsterdam along with the publication date. The Latin text prominently displays Kircher's name and his birthplace. A biblical quote from Psalm 138 in Latin Vulgate further emphasizes the theme of darkness and light explored throughout this remarkable piece. With its monochrome aesthetic reminiscent of 17th-century illustrations, this image transports us back to a time when scientific exploration was intertwined with religious beliefs. It serves as a testament to Kircher's intellectual curiosity and dedication to unraveling nature's mysteries through his studies on optics. This Dutch edition holds historical significance as it offers insights into both physics and history during that era. As we gaze upon this image, we can't help but appreciate how far our understanding has come since Kircher's groundbreaking work on light and darkness in the early days of modern science.
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