Athanasius Kircher, the Mysteries of the Geocosmos, Magnetism, and the Universe / by Agustín Udías.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Udías Vallina, Agustín, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Science--History.

Science.

Mathematics.

History.

Physics--History.

Physics.

History of Science.

History of Mathematical Sciences.

History of Physics and Astronomy.

Local Subjects:

History of Science.

History of Mathematical Sciences.

History of Physics and Astronomy.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (155 pages)

Edition:

1st ed. 2024.

Place of Publication:

Cham : Springer Nature Switzerland : Imprint: Birkhäuser, 2024.

Summary:

Athanasius Kircher, the eminent 17th-century German Jesuit professor of mathematics at the Roman College emerges as a captivating figure within the pages of this monograph by Agustín Udías. Aptly deemed 'the man who knew everything,' Kircher's thirty-two comprehensive works, spanning an array of subjects, provide a unique lens into his visionary perspectives. This book delves into three selected works where Kircher unveils his conceptualization of the Earth, termed the 'Geocosmos,' treated magnetism as a cosmic and spiritual force, and embarks on a cosmic exploration from Earth to the stars. From his groundbreaking speculations on the Earth's interior, attributing earthquakes and volcanoes to intricate channels of air, water, and fire, to his cosmic journey accompanied by the ethereal spirit Cosmiel, Kircher's enduring allure persists. Despite variance from contemporary knowledge, situated at the beginning of modern science, Kircher's proposals of the structure of the Earth’s interior, cosmic magnetic theories, and space journey to the stars offer a compelling glimpse into the intellectual landscape of a bygone era, making this book an essential exploration for scholars seeking a nuanced understanding of Kircher's profound influence.

Contents:

Preface

1. Introduction

2. Athanasius Kircher’s life and works

The museum and correspondence

The books

3. The geocosmos and the interior of the Earth

Short index of the twelve books

Preface: Earthquakes and volcanoes

The Earth center of the universe

The interior of the Earth

The oceans and seas

The subterranean fire, water and air

Fountains, rivers, and lakes

The terrestrial element

Nature of the geocosmos

Fossils, subterranean animals, men, and demons

Poisons in the subterranean world

Metals and mines

Chemical transformations

"Panspermia", the origin of plants and animals

Chemical work

4. Magnetism and the cosmic magnetic chain

Early work on magnetism and the Earth’s magnetic field

Kircher and magnetism

Nature and properties of magnets

Magnetic declination

Observations of magnetic declination

The magnetic map

Causes of magnetic declination

Magnetism as a cosmic and spiritual force

5. A space journey and the vision of the universe

Introduction

Preambles by Schott and Kircher

Preamble by Schott

Preamble by Kircher

Dialog I: Journeys to Moon, Venus, Mercury, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and the Firmament

Dialog II: God’s providence in the work of the World

Ecstatic Journey II

Dialog I: The water element and the universal principle of things

Dialog II: The admirable arcane of the Geocosmos or Terrestrial World

Dialog III: Ecstatic journey to the subterranean world

6. Conclusion

Appendix 1. Books on Athanasius Kircher published from 2000 to 2020

Appendix 2. Table of Contents of Mundus subterraneus

Appendix 3. Table of Contents of Magnes sive de arte Magnetica

Appendix 4. Table of Contents of Iter exstaticum coelestem

Kircher’s Works Mentioned

Bibliography

Index by Names.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9783031530081

303153008X