Weidler, J. F. Historia astronomiae. Vitembergae, 1741. p.
390; Drechsler, A. Katalog der Sammlung des
Königl.-Mathematisch-Physikalischen Salon zu Dresden.
Dresden, 1874. p. 53.

[311] Doppelmayr, op. cit., pp. 83-90.

[312] Drechsler, op. cit., pp. 53, 54; Gerland, op. cit., p.
68.

[313] Del Badia, J. Egnazio Danti cosmografo e matematico.
Firenze, 1882; Marchese, R. Memorie dei più illustri
pittori, scultori ed architetti Dominicani. Bologna, 1879.
Vol. II, p. 357; Porena, F. La Geografia in Roma e il
mappamondo Vaticano. (In: Boll. della Società Geografica
Italiana. Roma, 1888. pp. 221 ff.)

[314] Uzielli, G. L’epistolario Colombo-Toscanelliano e di
Danti. (In: Boll. della Società Geografica Italiana. Roma,
1889. p. 836.) In this the author refers to the numerous
editions of Sacrobosco translated by Rinaldi.

[315] Vasari, op. cit., Vol. V, pp. 493-496.

[316] Del Badia, op. cit., p. 30.

[317] Del Badia, op. cit., p. 28.

[318] Del Badia, op. cit., p. 31.

[319] Fiorini. Sfere terrestri e celesti. p. 179.

[320] Tiraboschi, G. Storia della litteratura italiana.
Roma, 1873. Tom. VII, pt. I, lib. ii, p. 439.

[321] Hues, R. Tractatus de globis coelesti et terrestri
eorumque usu. Amstelodame, 1617. Ed. by Joannis Isaci
Pontanus. See the Preface.

[322] Moriggia, R. P. F. La nobilita di Milano. Milano,
1595. Lib. V, cap. xvii.

[323] Fiorini. Sfere terrestri e celesti. p. 184;
Kretschmer, K. Die Entdeckung Amerikas in ihrer Bedeutung
für die Geschichte des Weltbildes. Berlin, 1892. p. 436, and
Tav. xxix.

[324] Nordenskiöld. Facsimile Atlas, plate XLI.

[325] Fiorini. Sfere terrestri e celesti. p. 220.

[326] Fiorini. Sfere terrestri e celesti. p. 284.

[327] The word “Jobel” is thought to mean jubilee.

[328] Fiorini. Sfere terrestri e celesti. pp. 497-500.

[329] See above, n. 294, 303.

[330] His work bears the title D. Francisci Maurolyci
Abbatis Messanensis Opuscula mathematica nunc primum in
lucem edita. Venetiis, 1575.

[331] Gori-Gandellini, G. Notizie storiche degli
intagliatori. Siena, 1771. Tom. I, p. 25.

[332] Archivo Storico della Provincie Napoletane. Anno primo
Napoli. 1876. p. 405.

[333] Fiorini. Sfere terrestri e celesti. p. 191. See for
catalogue reference Sala dei MSS. Scaffale XII, palchetto D,
n. 100.

[Illustration: Compass Rose. _From Martines Atlas, 1582_]

Chapter IX

Globes and Globe Makers of the Last Quarter of the Sixteenth Century

  Brief summary of sixteenth-century globe making.—The
  close of the century introducing us to the great Dutch
  globe makers.—The clock maker Dasypodius.—Peter and
  Philip Apianus.—The armillary sphere of Carlus
  Platus.—Roll and Reinhold.—Tycho Brahe and his
  influence.—Titon du Tillet.—The terrestrial globe of
  Rouen.—Globes of Emery Molyneux.—Globes of
  Bürgi.—Zürich globe.—Beaker globes.—Ivory globe of
  Antonio Spano.—The Van Langren globes.—Santucci.—B. F.
  globe of Dresden.

In the last three chapters attention has been called to the globes and
globe makers of the earlier years of the sixteenth century, special
mention having been made in Chapters VI and VII of the notions
entertained concerning the geography of the New World as exhibited in
the terrestrial globe maps. In the first quarter of the century, as was
stated, the newly discovered lands were represented as having no
geographical connection with the Old World, and with few exceptions the
two continents of the western hemisphere were separated from each other
either by a strait or by a wide expanse of ocean. In the second quarter
of the century the belief seemed to have found very general acceptance
that the New World was but a prolongation or eastward extension of the
Asiatic continent, a belief which found expression in the plane as well
as in the globe maps. Exceptions to such belief were likewise noted, as
was also the inclination manifesting itself in this second quarter to
return to the earlier notions, that a great body of water separated
Asia from the northern continent, in the spread of which notion Mercator
seems to have exerted a dominating influence. In the third quarter of
the century the globe maps indicate that a belief in the independent
position of the New World had again found very general acceptance,
although there appeared now and then an expression in the maps that the
theory of an Asiatic connection still lingered. In this third quarter it
was the Italian globe makers who were the most active, yet it must be
admitted that the majority of the globes produced in these years in the
peninsula were not of striking importance. In the literature of the
period, references to globes which were constructed, and which appear to
have been well known, are not infrequent, but one is inclined to a
belief, based upon these references, and upon those globes which are
extant, that time has destroyed the best of them.

The records of the last quarter of the century, of which we come now to
speak in this chapter, seem to show a decline of interest in globe
making among the Italians, the examples of their work left to us being
exceedingly few. We note a rising interest and activity in globe making
in the North in this period, which reaches a climax during the early
years of the seventeenth century in the splendid work given out by the
great masters of the Netherlands. A well-merited fame especially crowns
the labors of members of the Van Langren, the Blaeu, and the Hondius
families.[334]

Although remembered chiefly for his part in the construction of the
famous Strassburg cathedral clock, Conrad Dasypodius (1530-1600) can
also claim a place among the globe makers of his day, that is, of the
period we now have under consideration.[335] He was the son of Petrus
Dasypodius, a native of Frauenfeld in Switzerland, whose name originally
was Rauhfuss or Hasenfuss, and who for some years held a position as
professor of the Greek language in Zürich. In the year 1530 he removed
to Strassburg to accept a similar position in the Strassburg Academy,
where he died in the year 1559. Young Conrad, after an association for a
period with the then famous Strassburg mathematician, Christian
Herlin,[336] as his favorite pupil, traveled extensively, going to Paris
and later to Lyons, where he continued his mathematical studies. In
October, 1562, he became the successor of Herlin, and in the year 1563
canon of St. Thomas. To the impulse which he contributed to mathematical
studies is due the high place held for a considerable period by the
Strassburg Academy.[337] It is a part of his great service that he not
only encouraged the study of the Greek mathematicians, but he also was
especially interested in having their works brought to the attention of
the public through their reissue, especially the works of Euclid. The
list of Dasypodius’ publications[338] is a long one and is such as to
place him among the foremost scholars of his day, but it was, however,
his astronomical clock, noted above, which brought him special renown in
the larger circles. It was near the middle of the fourteenth century
that the first clock, which was of wood, was constructed for the
cathedral, but time had wrought its destructive work, and as early as
1547 a commission was appointed to consider the question of its
restoration, and of this commission Christian Herlin was a prominent
member. His death in the year 1562 left the plan incomplete, and eight
years passed before his pupil, Dasypodius, was successful in urging the
magistrates of the city to take up the work anew. In the year 1570,
through his advice, two young globe makers of Schaffhausen, Isaac and
Josias Habrecht,[339] who had given aid to their father in the
construction of the “Frohnwaagthurm Uhr” of the last-named city,
together with the Schaffhausen artists, Tobias and Josias Stimmer,[340]
were invited to take up the work under his supervision. At the end of
three years the clock was completed and soon came to be referred to as
one of the seven wonders of Germany. “Truly a masterpiece,” said
Montucla, “and the first of its kind in all Europe by reason of the
numerous movements which it executes.”[341] In the year 1580 a
description of the same was prepared and published by Dasypodius
himself.[342] Although calling for frequent repairs the clock continued
running until the year 1789, when it ceased, and after fifty years had
passed the old mechanism was replaced by new, the work of
Schwilgué.[343] Remarkable as is the entire masterpiece, it is the
globes with which Dasypodius furnished it that especially interest us
here. At the base of the clock is placed a celestial sphere (Fig. 70)
three feet in diameter, supported by four columns of wood richly carved.
On the surface appear the forty-eight Ptolemaic constellations, each
constellation having its appropriate figure, and the 1022 stars which
had been located in Ptolemy’s day. The globe is so connected with the
machinery, by which the various parts of the clock are made to perform
their functions, that it makes one revolution on its axis every
twenty-four hours, thus representing the rising and the setting of the
several celestial bodies. Two circles were added, one carrying the sun
and the other the moon, adjusted so as to turn about the globe, the
first in twenty-four hours, and the second in about twenty-five. The
arrangement of the movements, it appears, was not greatly altered in the
reconstruction of 1838-1842, and the clock, as it now stands, is thus
described by Britten: “On the floor level is a celestial globe
indicating siderial time. In its motion round its axis the globe carries
with it the circles that surround it—namely, the equator, the ecliptic,
the solstitial and equinoctial colures, while the meridian and horizon
circles remain motionless, so that there are shown the rising and the
setting, as well as the passage over the meridian of Strassburg, of all
stars that are visible to the naked eye, and which appear above the
horizon. Behind the celestial globe is the calendar; on a metallic band,
nine inches wide and thirty feet in circumference, are the months and
the days of the months, Dominical letters, fixed and movable feast days.
The band is shifted at midnight, and a statue of Apollo points out the
day of the month and the name of the saint corresponding to that day.
The internal part of the annular band indicates true solar time, the
rising and the setting of the sun, the diurnal motion of the moon around
the earth, and its passage over the meridian, the phases of the moon and
the eclipses of the sun and moon. Adjacent compartments are devoted to a
perpetual calendar, solar and lunar cycles and other periodic
occurrences, solar and lunar equations, etc. Above the calendar appear
allegorical figures, seated in chariots, and representing the days of
the week. These chariots, drawn by such animals as are assigned as
attributes of the divinities, run on a circular railway and appear each
in order. In the story above the globe is a planetarium in which the
revolutions of the planets are represented upon a large dial plate, and
above the planetarium, and upon a star-decked sky, is a globe devoted to
showing the phases of the moon. In the second story of the clock has
been placed a terrestrial globe, which likewise is adjusted to revolve
in representation of the revolution of the earth.”[344]

[Illustration: Fig. 70. Strassburg Clock and Globe of Conrad Dasypodius,
1574.]

Peter Apianus (Bienewitz or Bennewitz) (1495-1552) was a native of
Leisnig, Saxony.[345] His earliest education was received in the village
of Roschlitz, but at the age of twenty-three he entered the University
of Leipzig, where it appears that astronomy and mathematics chiefly
claimed his interest (Fig. 71). In 1527 he received and accepted an
appointment as professor of mathematics in the University of Ingolstadt,
and in 1541, for his distinguished abilities, he was ennobled by the
Emperor Charles V. In addition to the fame acquired through his
mathematical treatises he became widely known as a maker of physical and
astronomical instruments, among which were celestial globes. Numerous as
appear to have been these globes of his construction, no example at
present is known bearing the unmistakable evidence of his workmanship.
Clemens, in his description of the Library of the Escorial,[346] gives
us to understand that it possessed at one time one or more Peter Apianus
globes, which were probably carried to Spain by the Emperor himself.
It seems probable that a diligent search through public and private
libraries and museums in that country would lead to the discovery of
some of his globes or mathematical instruments.

[Illustration: Fig. 71. Portrait of Peter Apianus.]

Kepler tells us of an Apianus globe which he saw on a journey from
Würtemberg to Gratz, noting that it was so constructed that the stars
could be removed at pleasure from the sphere.[347] Of this particular
globe nothing seems now to be known. It is thought hardly probable that
the one referred to by Kepler is that fine celestial Apianus globe (Fig.
72) belonging to the K. B. Hof- u. Staats Bibliothek of Munich. There
seems to be scarcely a doubt that this, as its companion, a terrestrial
globe, is the work of the son Philip. Repeated inquiry has not resulted
in obtaining definite answer as to the dimensions of these globes nor a
description of such detailed features as would here prove of interest.
The photographic reproductions show them to be of remarkably artistic
workmanship. Each is furnished with a heavy meridian circle, and with a
similarly designed horizon circle supported by a semicircle which rests
upon an elaborately constructed base.[348] The history of these globes
seems not to be known, as stated above. We have an inventory of the
Herzoglich-Bayrische collection of mathematical and astronomical
instruments, prepared by the Jesuit, Fickler, which contains, page 147,
the following entry relative to the globes to be found therein: “Folget
die Tafl. Nr. 34. Daraus stehen drey grosser hulzinen Globi Coelestes,
davon d. ain in einem messingen gestell, mit ainem messingem zodiaco,
der dritt von mettall. 1777. Sechs grosser Globi terrestres von Holz.
mit mettallinen zodiacis 1778. Zwei claine Globi der ain Coelestis der
ander Terrestris, auf gedraxelten holzen fuesslen.”[349] “Next in order
is table No. 34. On this there stand three large celestial globes of
wood, one of which has a base of brass, with a brass horizon circle, the
third of metal, 1777. There are six large terrestrial globes of wood,
with metal horizon circles, 1778. Two small globes, one celestial, the
other terrestrial, resting on turned wooden feet.” It will be noted,
however, that there is no mention therein of Apianus globes. Kobalt
tells us that Apianus “vertigte allerley mathematische instrumente, als
Cosmolabium, Globos duos Caeli et Terrae maximos, und Planisphaerium,”
“constructed many kinds of mathematical instruments such as astrolabes,
two large globes celestial and terrestrial and planispheres.” This same
author gives us the information that “in der k. b. Central-Bibliothek
befinden sich zwei grosse, von Apian ververtigte und von Johann Mielichs
gemalte Globi Coelestes et Terrestres, worauf folgende Inschrift zo
lesen ist, ‘Illustrss Seren. Principi ac Domino D. Alberto Com. Pal.
Rheni. Sub. Inf. que Bar. Duci Domino suo Clementissimo Globum hunc
geographicum cels. ejus jussu juxta veterum ac recentium
Historiographorum Observationes Traditionesque Descr. et Ded. Philippus
Apianus M. D. Anno Salutis 1576.’” “In the K. B. Central Library there
are two large globes celestial and terrestrial constructed by Apianus
and painted by Johan Müelichs, on which is the following inscription:
‘To the Most Illustrious, Most Serene Prince and Lord D. Albert Count of
the Rhenish Palatinate, etc. His Most Clement Lord this celestial globe
by his command, fashioned according to the observations and traditions
of both ancient and modern historiographers dedicates Philip Apianus in
the year of Salvation 1576.’”[350] It seems, therefore, probable, from
the above citation, that it was the son Philip who constructed these
Munich globes. It was in the year 1552 that he followed his father as
professor of mathematics in the University of Ingolstadt and like his
father soon won distinction for himself as cartographer, producing his
famous Bayrische Landtafeln as his first work of note. It seems further
probable that shortly after this work he became interested in globe
construction, in which line of activity he made for himself a place of
first rank.

[Illustration: Fig. 72. Globes of Philip Apianus, 1576.]

The celestial globe referred to above has represented on its surface
the several Ptolemaic constellations, exquisitely colored, and the stars
have been given names in Greek, Latin, and Arabic. The terrestrial globe
map is considerably injured, especially in the polar regions, but the
continental and other outlines are all clearly traceable. Three large
compass roses, of ornamental pattern, are placed along the Line of
Demarcation. The coast outline of Europe is, in the main, well done, as
is that of Africa and the New World. The Nile and the Niger rivers no
longer find their source in the same common lake. The representations of
the far eastern regions indicate that Apianus had a fairly good
knowledge of the records of the Holland explorers.

A fine example of the metal worker’s art of this period may be found in
a silvered bronze celestial globe (Fig. 73) belonging to the Morgan
collection recently placed in the Metropolitan Museum of New York. On
the meridian circle we find the maker and date legend reading “Gerhard
Emmoser, sac. caes. meis horologiarius, F. Viennae 1579.” The sphere,
which can be opened on the line of the ecliptic, has a diameter of about
13 cm. Within has been placed a delicately constructed mechanism by
means of which the sphere is made to rotate once in twenty-four hours on
its equatorial axis, the key winding stem for this machinery projecting
at the north pole through an engraved hour plate with pointer. With its
meridian and its horizon circle it is adjusted to make one revolution in
three hundred and sixty-five days. A stationary ring, about 2 cm. in
width, which closely surrounds the horizon circle and in its same plane,
fits the instrument as a calendar. This ring has engraved on its surface
crossing lines, one for each day of the year, to each month there being
assigned its proper number of days or lines, as, for example, “October
habet 31 dies,” “November habet 30 dies.” As the sphere with its circles
revolves, a pointer attached to the horizon circle indicates on the
calendar ring each day of each month in succession. The surface of the
sphere is exquisitely engraved with representations of the several
constellations, the name of each being given in Latin. The instrument is
made to rest upon the back of a winged horse in silvered bronze, this in
turn standing upon an artistic circle base. It is well preserved and is
a choice example of such instruments, which in this period were in
particular favor.

[Illustration: Fig. 73. Silver-Gilt Globe of Gerhard Emmoser, 1573.]

Carlus Platus, a maker of metal globes in the last quarter of the
sixteenth century, is known to us through two fine extant examples of
his work.[351] The first of these, inscribed “Romae a. 1578 Car. Pl.,”
may be found in the Museo di Strumenti Antichi of Florence, having been
added to this collection by its former distinguished director, F.
Meucci. The horizon diameter of this armillary sphere is about 21 cm. It
has been described as one beautifully constructed of brass and mounted
on a carved wooden base. The circle representing the course of the sun
and that made to represent the course of the moon are made to revolve on
the axis of the ecliptic, and a small ball, of recent construction,
representing the earth, is placed in the common center of the armillae,
and is made to revolve on the axis of the equator. A dial attached to
the axis of the earth below the meridian circle marks the hours, which
are engraved on the Arctic polar circle. A few points marked on the
colures indicate the position of the principal stars. All of the circles
have been carefully graduated. On that one representing the zodiac have
been engraved the names of the months and the pictures of the several
zodiacal figures, while on the horizon circle are the names of the
principal winds in Greek, Latin, and Italian.

A second globe of Platus, signed “Carolus Platus Romae Anno 1598,” may
be found in the Biblioteca Barbarini of Rome. It is composed of two
hollow brass hemispheres, making a ball 14 cm. in diameter, which is
surrounded by a brass meridian and a brass horizon circle, the whole
resting on a tripod base. It is a fine example of an early metal
engraved globe, the representation of the figures of the constellations
in particular being done in a very superior manner. On the surface of
the sphere the equator, the ecliptic, the equinoctial, and the
solstitial colures are represented. The history of the globe seems not
to be known, but it is probable that it came to the Barbarini Palace in
the time of Pope Urban VIII, who, before filling his pontifical office,
was known as Maffeo Barbarini.

Of the celestial globes constructed by George Roll and Joannes Reinhold
three examples are known.[352] One of these may be found in the
collection of the Mathematical Salon of Dresden (Fig. 74) one in the
Osservatorio di Capodimonte of Naples and one in the K. K. Hofbibliothek
in Vienna. The Roll and Reinhold globe of the Dresden collection,
bearing the inscription “Georg Roll et Joannes Reinhold elaborabant
Augustae 1586,” is an exceedingly interesting instrument, unique in the
manner of its construction and remarkably well preserved. It is of
brass, having a diameter of 36 cm., and is furnished with numerous
movable circles, a large meridian circle surmounted with an armillary
sphere, and a brass horizon circle on which are marked the old and the
new calendars, the names of the twelve months and of the important holy
days. The globe base, very artistically wrought, rests upon four
griffin’s feet, between which a small terrestrial globe 10 cm. in
diameter has been placed, this having been furnished with its own
independent support. The large celestial sphere is furnished with a
clocklike mechanism by means of which it is made to revolve in
representation of the diurnal motion of the heavens. According to
existing records it was purchased in the year 1593 by order of the
Elector Christian II, and by him was presented to the Academy of Arts of
Dresden. Zeiller tells us that this and the Heyden globe were those
“with which the Prince Elector Augustus was accustomed to amuse
himself.”

[Illustration: Fig. 74. Globe of George Roll and Johannes Reinhold,
1586.]

It has not been possible to obtain a description of the Vienna globe. It
appears that it was constructed in the year 1588, and that, like the
Dresden example, the celestial sphere is made to revolve by means of
clockwork.

The Roll and Reinhold globe belonging to the Osservatorio di
Capodimonte, according to Fiorini, is one especially worthy of
mention.[353] This is described as a hollow ball having a diameter of
about 21 cm. The sphere itself is made of copper, the remaining parts of
gilded brass. The horizon circle is composed of several overlapping
brass plates. A clockwork mechanism is supplied, by means of which the
sphere and certain circles may be made to revolve. The surface of the
copper sphere is artistically engraved, having numerous circles
representing the ecliptic system with its parallels and meridians, and
the equatorial system including its five zones. The Ptolemaic
constellations are represented, the figure of each being engraved in
outline with the name in Latin. The several stars are not named but near
each is an engraved number to indicate its magnitude, these numbers
ranging from 1 to 6. Nebulae are distinguished by small circles, and the
Milky Way by numerous dots. The meridian circle, in which the sphere
revolves, has the usual graduation from 0 to 90, but has in addition a
climatic graduation designed “Climata ex Ptolomeo,” and a division into
zones called “Torrida Zona,” “Zona habitabilis temperata,” and “Frigida
zona.” On the convex surface of the horizon circle we find engraved the
names of the four cardinal points, and on the upper surface of this
circle are engraved the Julian and the Gregorian calendars, the names of
the saints, the dates on which the sun enters the various signs of the
zodiac, and the ancient names of the principal winds. The globe
mountings, all of brass, are artistic and well preserved. Like the
Dresden example it rests upon a four-branched support, the extremities
of each branch representing the claws of the griffin. Including the
base, the instrument is 43 cm. in height. It seems not to be known when
or how this globe, constructed in Augsburg, found its way to the Naples
Museum, where it is treasured as one of the choicest of ancient
astronomical instruments.

Tycho Brahe, the great Danish astronomer (Fig. 75), was a native of
Knudtstrup near Helsingborg, born in the year 1546.[354] The care of his
early education was assumed by an uncle, George Brahe, who in the year
1559 sent him to the Academy of Copenhagen with the intention of fitting
him for the legal profession. Three years later we find him registered
at the University of Leipzig, then famous for its department of
jurisprudence. Like many another of the world’s great men for whom, in
the days of his youth, interested relatives or friends have chosen a
life career only to find in later life the choice not well made, Tycho’s
bent was not for the legal profession but for science, that is, for
mathematics and astronomy. While yet a student in Copenhagen an eclipse
of the sun which occurred August 21, 1560, interested him greatly, and
here we seem to find the beginning of that great future which was to be
his. Forbidden by his schoolmaster to give his time to a study of the
stars, in the quiet of the night he would secretly betake himself into
the open, there to watch with unaided eye the movements of the heavenly
bodies, or to follow these movements as best he could with the
assistance of a simple astronomical circle and a small celestial globe
which he had been able to purchase. It probably was in his Leipzig days
that he became intimate with Bartholomaus Scultetus (Schultz), lecturer
on mathematical subjects, and by him was encouraged to pursue further
his astronomical studies. Among the first practical results of his
activities in this field we have his correction table for readings with
the Jacob staff. The death of his uncle in the year 1565 occasioned his
return to his native country, but Germany offering him special
opportunities for continued study in his favorite field, we soon find
him in Wittenberg, later in Rostock, where in a quarrel with a peasant
he lost part of his nose and thereafter to the end of his days wore a
silver substitute. In 1567 we find him in Lauingen engaged in the study
of astronomy with the distinguished Cyprian Leowitz, in 1568 in Basel
with Peter Ramus, and for two years thereafter in Augsburg with the
brothers Johan and Paul Hainzel, with whom he constructed a large
quadrant having a radius of seventeen and one half feet. While in
Augsburg it appears that he began the construction of a celestial globe
four feet in diameter, but there is some uncertainty as to his
completion of this work. A short but unhappy sojourn in his native town
followed his years of congenial study in Germany, and we soon learn of
his visit to the observatory of Landgraf Wilhelm of Cassel, an event of
great significance for him. His travels carried him to other cities of
Germany, including the city of Regensburg, where he witnessed the
coronation of the Emperor Rudolf II. Landgraf Wilhelm, a Maecenas of
wide repute in his day, had been greatly impressed with the abilities of
Tycho, and he urged upon the Danish King Frederick that he should make
suitable provision for the further astronomical studies of his
distinguished subject, which suggestion the King generously met. In the
year 1575 the documents were signed and sealed granting to Tycho full
possession for life of the little Island of Hveen, lying between Seeland
and Schonen; in addition he was furnished with all the means necessary
for the erection of an observatory and the adequate equipment of the
same (Fig. 76). The Uranienburg, as his observatory was called,[355]
became a great center for astronomical studies, and students came to him
from various European lands, among these being Arnold van Langren,
Willem Jansz. Blaeu, and Longomontanus (Christian Severin of Longberg).
The death of his patron, King Frederick II, in the year 1588 brought
misfortune to Tycho, in so far as his life and studies on the Island of
Hveen were concerned, since the succeeding ruler, Christian IV, was but
little interested in the further promotion of astronomical science.
Enduring court intrigue for nine years, he determined, in the year 1597,
to leave the scenes of his remarkable successes, and after a brief
sojourn with Count Henry of Ranzau near Hamburg, he accepted an
invitation from the Emperor Rudolf II to become imperial astronomer and
counselor at Prague. Thither he went with his family in the year 1599,
at the same time taking with him those astronomical instruments which
had served him in his studies in the northern island home. While
preparations were under way for the erection of a new observatory for
him he died in the year 1601. From Tycho’s heirs the Emperor Rudolf
purchased his instruments and manuscripts, the latter passing into the
hands of Kepler, his successor at the Imperial Court, but as to the fate
of his instruments little seems to be known. Kästner tells us that in
1619, during an uprising in the city of Prague, some of these were
destroyed while others were carried away, and at present only an iron
quadrant, once in his observatory, remains in that city.

[Illustration: Fig. 75. Portrait of Tycho Brahe.]

[Illustration: Fig. 76. Interior of Tycho Brahe’s Observatory at
Uranienburg.]

His large brass celestial globe, six feet in diameter, was carried back
to Copenhagen in the year 1623 by King Christian’s son, Ulrich, and
there it was carefully kept until the year 1728, when with the castle in
which it had been placed it was destroyed by fire.

Recalling the far-reaching influence of Tycho Brahe on astronomical
studies and on celestial globe making, it cannot be without interest to
quote here his own reference to his great globe, wherein he describes
its construction.

“This globe,” he says,[356] “which is a very large one, we have made
with great care, but with none the less than we have employed in all of
our others. The interior is of wood with many intersecting circles and
special supports, strengthened here and there from the center, and being
then fashioned into a spherical shape. As for its parts of wood, these
were made at Augsburg in the year 1570 before I returned to my native
land, as I found there a capable workman, having sought for a long time
elsewhere in vain for such an one. There, on account of its size, which
made it difficult to move, it had remained for five years, when I
returned to Augsburg; this was in the year 1575 as I came out of Italy
on my way to Ratisbon to be present at the coronation of the August
Emperor Rudolf II, when I found the globe had been finished some time
previously. But its shape (sphericity) did not altogether satisfy me,
moreover certain cracks could be seen. In the following year, and not
without much difficulty I had it carried to Denmark. There the cracks
were filled in and the sphericity made more nearly perfect by laying
over the surface about one hundred skins. There followed a testing for a
period of two years to ascertain whether the cracks would reappear after
two summers and two winters. When, after this test, I saw that it
retained its sphericity, I covered it over with thin brass plates of
uniform thickness without mishap, and this I did with such care and
skill that you would be led to say the globe was made of solid brass,
the joinings of the plates being scarcely visible. I next fashioned it
into a perfect sphere and marked thereon the zodiac, and the equator
with its poles, also the degrees each of sixty minutes by engraved lines
as we do in such work. I then left it for the space of one year, as
there was some doubt after putting on the brass plates as to whether the
globe would retain its sphericity in winter and in summer. When it had
been sufficiently tested not only did I indicate the circles of which I
have spoken but also all the stars of the eighth sphere I represented in
their proper places, as many stars as were to be seen in the heavens,
and I increased their number more and more in succeeding years up to
1600. Thus I with purpose added all the stars visible to the naked eye,
in their proper places adapted to the year 1600 which was near at hand.
And so there passed nearly twenty-five years from the first work on this
globe until it was finished, by the addition of its proper divisions and
its stars. This delay, although it might seem tedious, was not without
its value; for all things were thus done more carefully and better.
‘Work quickly only if you work well.’ Then the outer circles were fitted
to it, that is, a meridian and after that a horizon circle. This
meridian is made of brass, and each degree is divided into minutes, and
the horizon has the width of a palm of the hand, being covered with
brass having the degrees and minutes marked. The vertical quadrant
passing from the zenith to the horizon is of brass.

“The globe rests on a firm base having two iron supports crossing each
other, two of which you see on one side and two on the other. These are
for the purpose of giving strength lest the horizon of the instrument
should not be firm because of its bulk and weight.

“The entire support is five feet high, and on the lower part of the
structure various mathematical devices are to be seen skilfully painted
for the sake of ornamentation, and with the other features adding beauty
to the whole. The globe itself is approximately six feet in diameter,
and from this dimension the size of the meridian, of the horizon and of
the rest of the instrument can be obtained.

“Such a globe, so solidly made, so finely wrought, and in every part so
finely constructed and properly constituted never before in any part of
the world, so I believe and say without the thought of arousing envy,
has been completed. It is an immense and a magnificent work; so much so
that many have come from various countries to Denmark that they might
have a view of it together with my other instruments, while the Kingdom
of Urania and its far-famed citadel were standing.

“Around the horizon circle one could read in letters of gold ‘In the
year of Christ CIƆ IƆ XXCIV (1584), Frederick II reigning in Denmark,
this globe like unto a celestial machine, in which are fixed the stars
of the eighth sphere as set down on his globe each exactly in its place,
also the wandering stars as they appear among these, Tycho Brahe, to all
on earth who desire to understand this matter, shows the heavens by this
mechanical device which he perfected for his sons, for himself and for
posterity.’

“The date 1584 is inscribed hereon because that is the middle of the
period of time in which it was in the process of construction, and
further it is the year before the death of King Frederick of most worthy
memory, who liberally supported both myself and my work, and his
princely love followed me as long as he lived. I will add only this one
thing—this globe has a canopy indicated by Y Z (Fig. 77) circular, and
concave within to enclose the upper half of the globe, which canopy,
fastened to the roof by a chain, may be let down as a protection from
dust and from other injury. The use of the globe is the same as is that
of others, and this use I have decided to describe in a special work
during my leisure time, since it cannot be done in few words. This globe
has, on account of its great size, an advantage over all others, namely
that all details on it can be given with the utmost exactness and
minuteness. And those points concerning the doctrine of the _primum
mobilum_ and the study of the heavenly bodies in their relations to the
position of the ecliptic and the equator and of certain other circles on
the globe, are easily determined with a minimum of trouble and without
any laborious effort, by the machine.”

[Illustration: GLOBVS MAGNVS ORICHALCICUS. Fig. 77. Globus Magnus of
Tycho Brahe, 1584.]

Van Raemdonck refers to a globe by Titon du Tillet, of the year 1584,
citing a reference to this work to be found in “Memoirs lus à la
Sorbonne.” We have been unable to obtain concerning Titon any additional
information to that given in the above citations.[357]

In March, 1861, the Bibliothèque Nationale of Paris acquired by purchase
a copper engraved globe mounted on a metal base.[358] The record
referring to the purchase reads “Trouvé à Lignières (Cher) et provenant
de l’abbé L’Écuy.” (Fig. 78.)

[Illustration: Fig. 78. L’Écuy Terrestrial Globe, ca. 1578.]

Aside from its geographical interest it is particularly significant in
that it is the only globe of metal known to have been made in Rouen in
that period. It is neither signed nor dated, but its inscriptions seem
to assure us that it was not made prior to 1578, yet in all probability
before 1600. It seems not to be known how the globe found its way into
the locality designated. The Abbé L’Écuy died in Paris in the year
1634 at the age of eighty-four, Vicar General of the Prebendary of Nôtre
Dame. It is probable that at the death of the Abbé the globe was taken
to the province of Cher by some dealer or purchaser, as he was born in
the town Yvoi-Carignan in French Luxembourg. Of the earliest history of
this remarkably interesting object we know only that it was made in
Rouen, at a date we cannot definitely fix.

It has a diameter of 25.6 cm. In an oval cartouch one finds the
inscription “Nova et integra universi orbis descriptio. Rothomagi.” “A
new and complete description of the world. Rouen.” Below the last line
there appears to be space left for the insertion of the author’s name, a
thought suggested by the arrangement for the inscription, and underneath
the cartouch is engraved a representation of Neptune driving his sea
horses and chariot and armed with a trident. There are numerous vessels
represented on the globe, sailing the seas, in the style of the
sixteenth century. The prime meridian passes through the Canary Islands.
The author seems to have drawn largely from Spanish sources, but to some
extent from the Portuguese.

The outlines of the several countries of the Old World are not
particularly well drawn, and it does not appear that the author thought
of making an especial point of accuracy. Africa has the outlines of the
maps of the sixteenth century, but with an indifference to details. The
Senegal and the Niger are made to unite to form the Nile. Asia is not
particularly well drawn. Below the island of Cipango the author has
engraved the following legend, “Hoc loco secuti sumus recentiores hanc
partem verius a continente separantes.” “In this place we have followed
the most recent (observers) who rightly separate this part from the
continent.”

The western coast of America gives evidence of a want of detailed
knowledge. Here we read “Haec littora nondum cognita,” “this coast is
not yet known,” and below this, “Novus orbis,” and “Hispania major a
Nuño Gusmano devicta anno 1539,” “Greater Spain conquered by Nuño Gusman
in the year 1539.” California is represented as a peninsula and not an
island as on so many of the maps of the closing years of the sixteenth
century. The nomenclature along the coast of Mexico is exceedingly rich.
Pizarro’s conquest is referred to, but Chili is unknown, “Ulterius
incognitum.” The estuary of La Plata is represented as very large. The
coast names north of Florida seem to have been obtained from the
Verrazano sources of 1524. In the region of Newfoundland, which is
represented as a region of numerous small islands, we find “Baccalearum
regio,” “Gamas,” “insule Corteralis,” “terro de laborador.” The strait
separating Greenland from the mainland is referred to as “Fretum
arcticum per quod Lusitani in orientem et ad Indos et Molucas navigare
conati sunt,” “Arctic strait through which the Portuguese attempted to
sail to the east and to the Indies and the Moluccas,” an allusion to the
unhappy results of the Cortereal expedition. Along the coast of the
strait which forms the northern boundary of North America we read “Terra
per Britannos inventa,” “Land discovered by the British.” A very curious
legend along the east coast of Greenland reads “Quii populi ad quos
Joañes Scovus Danus pervenit anno 1476,” “These are the people to whom
the Dane John Scovus came in the year 1476.” Humboldt was one of the
first to call attention to this expedition, and Gomara was actually the
first to mention it, that is, to give a reference to the Dane
Skolnus.[359]

There are no more interesting survivals among the globes of the late
sixteenth century than are those constructed by Emery Molyneux, now
belonging to the Middle Temple Library of London (Fig. 79), which Sir
Clements Markham refers to as “their burial place,” considering this to
be “a strange depository for geographical documents of such interest and
importance.” In the address “To the Reader” or preface to his ‘Voyages,’
Hakluyt gives the first reference in print to these globes. “Nowe,” he
says, “because peraduenture it would bee expected as necessarie, that
the descriptions of so many parts of the world would farre more easily
be conceiued of the Readers, by adding Geographicall, and
Hydrographicall tables thereunto, thou art by the way to be admonished
that I have contented my selfe with inserting into the worke one of the
best generall mappes of the world onely, untill the coming out of a very
large and most exact terrestriall Globe, collected and reformed
according to the newest, secretest, and latest discoueries, both
Spanish, Portugall, and English, composed by M. Emmerie Mollineux of
Lambeth, a rare gentleman in his profession, being therein for diuers
yeeres, gratly supported by the purse and liberalitie of the worshipfull
marchant M. William Sanderson.”[360] It was not until near the close of
the year 1592 that the globes were completed, and soon thereafter we
have their first printed description, which description was given by Dr.
Hood of Trinity College, Cambridge, a lecturer on mathematics and
navigation in the city of London.[361] Blundeville, in his
‘Exercises,’[362] refers to them, and in 1594 Robert Hues published the
first edition of his most valuable and interesting treatise on globes,
bearing the title, ‘Tractatus de Globis et eorum usu, accomodatus iis
qui Londini editi sunt anno 1593,’ taking the Molyneux globes as the
basis for his observations.

[Illustration: Fig 79. Terrestrial Globe of Emery Molyneux, 1592.]

Very little is known of the life of Molyneux. He appears to have been a
member of the Cavendish expedition of the years 1586-1588, as is
suggested by one of the legends on his terrestrial globe. He was known
to Sir Walter Raleigh, to Richard Hakluyt, to Edward Wright, and to John
Davis. To the suggestions of the last-named we perhaps owe the existence
of these globes.[363] As noted by Hakluyt in his preface, the globes
were constructed at the expense of William Sanderson, a merchant prince
of London, a liberal and patriotic citizen, one interested in
geographical exploration, who had fitted out the Davis Arctic
Expedition.

Sir Clements Markham, in his edition of Robert Hues’ ‘Tractatus de
Globis,’[364] edited for the Hakluyt Society and published in the year
1889, gives in his introduction the following brief but adequate
description of these globes: “The Molyneux globes are 2 feet 2 inches in
diameter, and are fixed on stands. They have graduated brass meridians,
and on that of the terrestrial globe a dial circle or ‘Horarius’ is
fixed. The broad wooden equator, forming the upper part of the stand, is
painted with the zodiac signs, the months, the Roman calendar, the
points of the compass, and the same in Latin, in concentric circles.
Rhumb lines are drawn from numerous centers over the surface of the
terrestrial globe. The equator, the ecliptic, the polar circles are
painted boldly; while the parallels of latitude and meridians, at every
ten degrees, are very faint lines. The globe received additions,
including the discoveries of Barents in Novaya Zemlya, and the date has
been altered with a pen from 1592 to 1603. The constellations and fixed
stars on the celestial globe are the same as those on the globe of
Mercator, except that the Southern Cross has been added. On both the
celestial and the terrestrial globes of Molyneux there is a square label
with this inscription ‘This globe, belonging to the Middle Temple, was
repaired in the year 1818 by J. and W. Newton, Globe Makers, Chancery
Lane.’

“Over North America are the arms of France and England quarterly;
supporters, a lion and dragon; motto of the garter; crown, crest, and
baldrequin; standing on a label, with a long dedication to Queen
Elizabeth.

“The achievement of Mr. William Sanderson is painted on the imaginary
southern continent to the south of Africa. The crest is a globe with the
sun’s rays behind. It stands on a squire’s helmet with baldrequin. The
shield is quarterly; 1st, paly of six azure and argent, over all a bend
sable for Sanderson; 2nd, gules, lions, and castles in the quarters for
Skirne alias Castilion; 3rd, or, a chevron between 3 eagles displayed
sable, in chief a label of three points sable for Wall; 4th,
quarterly, or and azure, over all a bend gules for Langston. Beneath
there is an address from William Sanderson to the gentle reader, English
and Latin, in parallel columns.

“In the north polar regions there are several new additions, delineating
the discoveries of English and Dutch explorers for the first time. John
Davis wrote, in his ‘World’s Hydrographical Discovery’: ‘How far I
proceeded doth appear on the globe made by Master Emerie Molyneus.’
Davis Strait is shown with all the names on its shores which were given
by its discoverer, and the following legend ‘Joannes Davis Anglus anno
1583-86-87 littora Americae circumspectantia a quinquagesimo quinto
grado ad 73 sub polarem scrutando perlegit.’ (‘John Davis, an Englishman
in the years 1583-86-87, gave these names when he mapped the shores of
America lying between the parallels of 55 degrees and 73 degrees north
latitude.’) On another legend we have ‘Additions in the north parts to
1603’; and below it are the discoveries of Barents, with his Novaya
Zemlya winter quarters—‘Het behouden huis.’ Between Novaya Zemlya and
Greenland there is an island called ‘Sir Hugo Willoghbi his land.’ This
insertion arose from a great error in longitude, Willoughby having
sighted the coast of Novaya Zemlya; and the island, of course had no
existence, though it long remained on the maps. To the north of Siberia
there are two legends, ‘Rd. Cancelarius et Stephanus Burrow Angli
Lappiae et Coreliae oras marinas et Simm. S. Nicolai vulgo dictum anno
1553 menso Augusto exploraverunt’ (‘Richard Chancelor and Stephen Burrow
Englishmen explored the shore of Lapland and Corelia, and of Simm. S.
Nicolai commonly so called, in the month of August 1553’), and ‘Joannes
Mandevillanus eques Anglius ex Anglia anno 1332 Cathaiae et Tartariae
regiones penetravenit.’ (‘John Mandeville an English knight from England
in the year 1322 entered the regions of Cathay and Tartary.’)

“Many imaginary islands, in the Atlantic, are retained on the globe:
including ‘Frisland,’ ‘Buss Ins,’ ‘Brasil,’ ‘Maidas,’ ‘Heptapolis,’ ‘St.
Brandan.’ On the eastern side of North America are the countries of
Florida, Virginia, and Norumbega; and also a large town of Norumbega up
a gulf full of islands.

“The learned Dr. Dee had composed a treatise on the title of Queen
Elizabeth to Norumbega; and in modern times Professor Horsford has
written a memoir to identify Norumbega with a site up the Charles River,
near Boston. On the Atlantic, near the American coast, is the following
legend ‘Virginia primum lustrata, habitata, et cultu ab Anglis impensis
D. Gualteri de Ralegh Equitis Aurati ammenti Elizabethae Angliae
Reginae.’ (‘Virginia first surveyed, inhabited and cultivated by the
English at the expense of Sir Walter Raleigh, Knight, subsidized by the
gold of Elizabeth Queen of England.’)

“A legend in the Pacific Ocean furnishes direct evidence that
information, for compiling the globe was supplied by Sir Walter Raleigh.
It is in Spanish: ‘Islas estas descubrio Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa por
la Corona de Castella y Leon desde el ano 1568 llamolas Islas de Jesus
aunque vulfarmente las llaman Islas de Salomon.’ (‘Pedro Sarmiento of
Gamboa discovered these islands in the year 1568 for the crown of
Castile and Leon calling them the Islands of Jesus though they are
commonly called the Salomon Islands.’)

“Pedro Sarmiento was the officer who was sent to fortify the Strait of
Magellan after Drake had passed through. He was taken prisoner by an
English ship on his way to Spain, and was the guest of Raleigh in London
for several weeks, so that it must have been on information communicated
by Raleigh that the statement respecting Sarmiento on this legend was
based.

“Besides ‘Insulae Salmonis’ there are two islands in the Pacific, ‘Y
Sequenda de los Tubarones,’ and ‘San Pedro,’ as well as the north coast
of New Guinea, with the names given on Mercator’s map.

“Cavendish also appears to have given assistance, or possibly Molyneux
himself accompanied that circumnavigator in his voyage of 1587. The
words of a legend off the Patagonian coast seem to countenance this
idea, reading, ‘Thomas Caundish 18 Dec. 1587 haec terra sub nostris
oculis primum obtulit sub latitud 47 cujus seu admodum salubris Incolae
maturi ex parte proceri sunt gigantes et vasti magnitudinis.’

“The great southern continent is made to include Tierra del Fuego and
the south coast of Magellan’s Strait, and extends over the greater part
of the south frigid zone.

“S. Matheo, an island in the Atlantic, south of the line, was visited by
the Spanish ships under Loaysa and Sebastian del Cano, but has never
been seen since. It appears on the globe. In the south Atlantic there
are painted a sea-serpent, a whale, Orpheus riding on a dolphin, and
ships under full sail—fore and main courses and topsails, a sprit sail,
and the mizzen with a long lateen yard.

“The track of the voyage of Sir Francis Drake and Master Thomas
Cavendish round the world are shown, the one by a red and the other by a
blue line. That these tracks were put on when the globe was first made
is proved by the reference to them in Blundeville’s ‘Exercises.’

“The name of the author of the globe is thus given: ‘Emerum Mullineus
Angl. sumptibus Guilelm Sanderson Londinensis descripsit.’”

Markham likewise tells us that the celestial globe, in its general
features, closely resembles the terrestrial. It carries the same arms of
Sanderson, and the same label of Newton, but a briefer dedication to the
Queen. It appears that the map was engraved and printed by Hondius of
Amsterdam, since it carries the brief legend “Judocus Hondius Fon. Sc.”
In addition to the Molyneux globes in the Middle Temple, a pair may be
found in the Royal Museum of Cassel. A detailed description of this
pair it has not been possible to obtain.

Jost Bürgi, a native of Lichtensteig in the Toggenburg, Switzerland, was
born in the year 1552 and died in Cassel in the year 1632.[365] Early in
life he became a clock maker’s apprentice, and for some time was engaged
with Dasypodius in the construction of the famous Strassburg Cathedral
clock. In the year 1579 he was called to the court of Landgrave William
IV in Cassel, under whose patronage he won great distinction as a maker
of astronomical and mathematical instruments. In the year 1603 he was
called into the service of the Emperor at Prague, but in the year 1631
he returned to Cassel, where he died in the following year. Bürgi,
skilful workman that he was, seems not to have found time to tell in
words of his various activities. “He found pleasure in work,” says one
of his biographers, and left it for others to write of his attainments,
which, it may here be said, they seem not to have done in a very
detailed manner.

Landgrave William’s interest in the promotion of scientific studies led
him to the founding of a museum to which he made numerous contributions
of apparatus, mathematical and astronomical. This museum, in the course
of years, became one of the most famous of its kind in all Europe, and
indeed remains such to this day. In its collections the work of Bürgi is
well represented, which in the quality of the workmanship exhibited, as
in the interest it awakens by reason of its place as a nucleus around
which so much of value has been gathered, is unsurpassed.

Among the first of his instruments may be mentioned an astronomical
clock, elaborately wrought, with movable discs and circles for
illustrating the movements of the heavenly bodies, and surmounted with
an engraved celestial globe, which, driven by clockwork, is made to turn
on its axis once in twenty-four hours. It seems evident that Bürgi
constructed other clocks of like character, supplied, as is this
example, with a celestial globe.

In this same Museum of Cassel there is a second celestial globe, the
work of Bürgi, which was begun in the year 1585, and not entirely
completed until the year 1693 by Heinrich van Lannep. This copper
sphere, 72 cm. in diameter, is remarkably well preserved. It has a heavy
brass meridian circle to which is attached an engraved hour circle 46
cm. in diameter. A large brass semicircle intersects this meridian
circle at right angles through the north pole, and is attached to the
horizon circle at its extremities. The instrument rests upon an artistic
and substantial brass support. On the surface of the sphere are engraved
the principal celestial circles, including the colures, the equator, the
tropics, the polar circles, the ecliptic, and twelve parallels. The
stars, of which the largest are distinguished by a bit of inlaid silver,
and the several figures of the constellations which are very
artistically engraved, are clearly the work of a master.

A third globe of gilded brass, containing clockwork within by means of
which it is made to revolve and apparently the work of Bürgi, may also
be found in this Cassel collection. A small silver sun, movable along
the equator, is mechanically attached in such manner as to serve
admirably for demonstrative purposes. The engraved surface of the globe
is equal in its artistic merits to that of the copper globe referred to
above.

There is yet a fourth metal globe in this collection, apparently the
work of Bürgi, which is not gilded. In other respects it is said to
resemble the one designated above as the third globe. Kepler is said to
have held in the highest esteem the scientific work of Bürgi, and to
have placed him, within his field, as high as he did Albrecht Dürer
among artists. There appears to be good reason for attributing the
invention of the pendulum clock to Jost Bürgi, and that before 1600 he
had proved this method of clock regulation practical.

Among the numerous and interesting treasures to be found in the
Landesmuseum of Zürich is a terrestrial globe (Fig. 80) having neither
name of maker nor date of construction, but belonging, undoubtedly, to
the late sixteenth century.[366] The sphere has a diameter of about 121
cm., is mounted on a substantial wooden base, and appears to have been
made for the monastery of St. Gall, from which place it was taken to
Zürich in the year 1712. On the semicircular arms which support the
equatorial circle are represented the armorial bearings of the abbey and
monks of St. Gall, and the date in gold, 1595, which may refer to the
date of construction or to the date when it was placed in the monastery.
On the equatorial circle one finds represented the signs of the zodiac,
the calendar, the names of the saints and of the winds. On the heavy
meridian circle are indicated the climatic zones and the degrees of
latitude. The prime meridian is made to pass through the Azores Islands.
The sphere is of papier-mâché and plaster, on which the engraved gores
are mounted. The seas have been colored green, the lands a dull yellow,
the mountain ranges brown. Numerous barbaric kings are represented in
picture, likewise numerous animals of land and sea, and ships
artistically drawn sail hither and thither over the oceans. The austral
continent is wanting. Marcel especially notes the striking resemblance
of the globe map to the Mercator map of 1569, suggesting the possibility
of its Mercatorian origin, in support of which suggestion he quotes a
number of geographical names as well as certain legends. The globe, it
appears, has never been critically studied, but is clearly an
interesting geographical monument of the period.

[Illustration: Fig. 80. Anonymous Terrestrial Globe, ca. 1595.]

The making of globe-goblets in the latter half of the sixteenth century
and early seventeenth appears to have been in response to a fashion
especially pronounced in South Germany, although their construction was
not limited to that region. Not a few of such globes are extant, which
are fine examples of the metal worker’s art, having, however, a
decorative rather than a scientific value.

Professor Fischer gives us an interesting description of such a goblet
of gilded silver (Fig. 81), dating from the end of the sixteenth or the
beginning of the seventeenth century, and it is from his account that
the following reference is taken.[367] This piece he pronounces the most
valuable treasure in the plate room of the princely castle of Wolfegg,
to which castle it was the author’s privilege to pay a most interesting
visit more than a decade ago. The globe was long considered a
christening gift from the Emperor Francis to his godson Francis of the
Waldburg zu Wolfegg princely family and was supposed to date from the
end of the eighteenth century. Professor Fischer, however, found this
“globis terrestris” referred to in a testament dated January 17, 1779,
with instructions that it, with certain other treasures, should not be
recast or otherwise altered from its ancient form. It was at that time
recognized as a masterpiece, but from the hands of an unknown master,
and not until recently was it definitely determined to be the work of
the Zürich goldsmith, Abraham Gessner (1552-1613). “Gessner appears to
have manufactured his globe-goblets,” says Fischer, “not in response to
orders previously given, but in the regular pursuit of his trade. At a
time when rich merchants and scholars took such a lively interest in
geography, and the opening up of new countries, he could count upon a
market all the more readily because his goblets were made with the
utmost care in every detail and were perfect examples of the various
branches of the goldsmith’s art; casting, embossing, chasing, engraving,
and solid gilding.”[368]

[Illustration: Fig. 81. Globe-Goblet of Abraham Gessner, ca. 1600.]

The goblet is 58 cm. in height. Its larger globe, a terrestrial, is
composed of two hemispheres joined on the line of the equator, and has a
diameter of 17 cm. The support is a standing figure of Atlas, which also
serves as a stem of the lower half or the lower goblet, just as the
celestial sphere with its support which tops the piece serves as the
stem of the upper half or upper goblet.

The oceans, lakes, and rivers have a silver surface, while the
continents, islands, sea monsters, sailing vessels, principal parallels,
and meridians are gilded. The continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa,
and the “terra australis sive Magallanica” have their outlines drawn in
the main as they appear on Mercator’s map of 1569. While certain recent
discoveries as “Nowaja Semlja” (Nova Zembla) are represented, it does
not appear that Gessner was inclined to insist on his map records being
laid down with the strictest accuracy as to geographical detail.

The celestial globe topping the goblet is given an artistic setting. It
is furnished with horizon, meridian, and hour circles. The several
constellations represented on the surface of the sphere are, through
gilding, given special prominence, their execution, like other parts of
the piece, being of the finest workmanship.

The figure of Atlas supporting the globes exhibits skill in its
construction. It stands with one foot slightly advanced, with the right
hand extended upward as if to catch the ball should it fall from the
head of the figure. The hair and the beard are gilded, as is also the
drapery, one end of which hangs loosely over the right shoulder, while
the other covers the front of the body and is held in the left hand at
the back, being made to serve in part as a support.

Fischer calls attention to two globe-goblets belonging to the University
of Basel and to one privately owned; to one in the town hall of
Rappoltsweiler; one in what was formerly the Rothschild Collection of
Frankfurt, and to one in the Museum of Stockholm, once the property of
Gustavus Adolphus, which probably is the one elsewhere referred to; and
he also calls attention to an undated globe-goblet, purchased in Paris
in the year 1901 by the Swiss National Museum of Zürich for the sum of
forty-two thousand francs. It had previously been referred to by Marcel
as the work of Gessner, in proof of which he noted that it bears the
mark of this goldsmith, the same being the letter “Z.” The terrestrial
globe, like that of Wolfegg, has a diameter of 17 cm., the whole being
very artistically designed and engraved. It, too, is surmounted by a
celestial globe and rests on a figure of Atlas, which figure in turn
stands upon an ornamental base. Each of the two globes can be opened on
the line of the equator, thus practically making four drinking cups. On
the terrestrial globe, Marcel notes, California is represented as an
island. Near “Nova Guinea” one finds the inscription “Nova Guinea semper
inventa qual ... insula an pars continentas australis.” A large austral
land is represented with the inscription “Hanc continentem australem
nonvulli Magelanicam regionem ab ejus inventore nuncupant.” The absence
of the Strait of Lemaire and of New Zealand, with the representation of
the austral land with more or less indefinite outline, Marcel thinks
warrants a belief that it was constructed near the close of the
sixteenth century. Attention is likewise called by Marcel in his article
to three other small globes which he found in the Museum des Cordeliers
of Basel, and also to one “très beau et très riche” in the Museé Ariana
of Geneva.

A very artistic gold beaker globe (Fig. 82) may be found in the
collection presented by Mr. J. P. Morgan to the Metropolitan Museum of
New York City. The sphere of this, which opens on the line of the
ecliptic, has a diameter of 8 cm. and rests upon the figure of a satyr
with uplifted hands forming a part of the support, this figure in turn
resting upon an ornamental circular base. Topping the sphere is a small
figure of Neptune carrying a trident and standing in a shell or
conventionalized small boat. The engraved figures of the many
constellations decorate the surface of the sphere.

[Illustration: Fig. 82. Gold Globe-Goblet, ca. 1575.]

In the private library of Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan may be found a fine
example of an ivory terrestrial globe of this period (Fig. 83). It is
hollow, being composed of two hemispheres joined on the line of the
equator, and has a diameter of about 8 cm. Near the south pole is the
author and date legend (Figs. 84, 84a) “Antonius Spano tropiensis fecit
1593.” “Made by Antonio Spano of Tropea, 1593.” In the unnamed southern
continent, and over a representation of the Spanish arms, is the
dedication to the Infante Philip, afterward Philip III, reading
“Principi Philip. Philip II Hisp. Indiar. Neap. e Siciliae Cathol. Regis
Filio,” and within the Antarctic circle a salutation reading “Princeps
felicissime totus Orbis ad se gubernandum te vocat et expectat.” “O most
fortunate ruler, the whole world calls and awaits you to govern it.”
Antonio, a native of Tropea, near Naples, was granted in the year 1595 a
pension of one hundred ducats, by his master and patron, Philip II. This
he seems to have enjoyed until his death, which occurred in Madrid in
the year 1615. We learn that this was continued to his son, Francisco
Spano, by King Philip III. The mounting of the globe, which is simple,
seems to be of a later date than that given as the year of construction
in the date legend, but it is well suited to the artistic piece. The
world map is well executed, and may be said to be in a perfect state of
preservation. Its geographical details, in so far as given, are quite as
good as the best to be found at this time, though it is very evident
that the piece was primarily intended to possess decorative rather than
scientific value. The Mediterranean region gives us in its general
features a representation of the Ptolemaic ideas, particularly to be
observed in the representation of Italy and the Caspian Sea. In Chinese
Asia appears a legend reading, “Hic artem impremendi ante mille años
habuerunt.” “Here they had the art of printing a thousand years ago.”

[Illustration: Fig. 83. Ivory Terrestrial Globe of Antonio Spano, 1593.]

[Illustration: Fig. 84. South Polar Region on Globe of Antonio Spano,
1593.]

[Illustration: Fig. 84a. South Polar Region on Globe of Jodocus Hondius,
1600.]

In “Ratai” (Katai) a flag is represented reminding of Marco Polo, and
near this the legend “His magnus Cham Tartarorum et Chataiae imperator
longe dominatur.”

In this Asiatic region we find such names as “Tabin,” “Ania,” “Quinsai,”
“Catigara,” “Zaiton,” “India Orientalis.” “Stretto Anian” appears as
a long channel. In Africa we read, “His Imperator magnus Presbyter
Africae Rex potentis mus.” In the New World we find “America sive India
nova,” which is not connected with Asia. The coast in the northern
regions is better drawn than in the southern. The St. Lawrence River is
represented, but the Great Lakes are omitted. “Estland,” “Frisland,” and
“St. Brandan” are laid down. The austral land, as represented, is very
large, being designated “Terra Australis: Vastissimas his esse regiones
ex M. Pauli Ven. et Lud. Vartomani scriptis perigrinationibus constat.”
“Austral land: here is known to be a very extensive region referred to
in the travel records of Marco Polo and of Ludovico Vartema.” Mr.
Beazley says of the globe that it once belonged to the Kempenaer family
of Leenwarden, and was later acquired by Mr. H. J. Pfungst through the
firm of Miller & Company of Amsterdam.[369] It later passed into the
library of Mr. Morgan.

As noted at the beginning of this chapter, leadership in globe and map
making, in the closing years of the century, was passing into the
Netherlands, which in the second quarter of the century had contributed
in this field of scientific endeavor the great Mercator. His influence,
as was also noted, found its way into Italy and into favor with certain
globe makers, although the individualistic spirit of the Italians seemed
to show a marked preference for manuscript and engraved metal globes. In
the front rank of those who were to lead the Low Countries into their
place of preëminence stood the Van Langren family, the father, Jacobus
Florentius, as he was accustomed to call himself, and the sons, Arnoldus
Florentius, Henricus Florentius, and Michael Florentius.[370] The father
was a native of Denmark, but sometime prior to 1580 he transferred his
residence to Arnhem in Gelderland, and later to Amsterdam. Legends on
his oldest extant globe give us to understand that at the time of its
construction he labored jointly with his son Arnold in this work, these
legends reading “Jacobus Florentius Ultrajectensis autor,” and
“Arnoldus Florentius filius sculptor Amstelodami 1585,” that is, the
father was the author and the son was the engraver.

In the early seventeenth century the family left Amsterdam, going to
Antwerp in the Spanish Netherlands. Here in the year 1609, according to
an Antwerp record, Arnold constructed a “Sphaera Mundi,” which he
dedicated to the chief magistrate of that city, receiving therefor 120
Artois livres. It probably was not long after this date that he was
appointed Globe Maker of the Archdukes, a title he retained until the
death of the Archduke Albert in the year 1621, and a somewhat later
record tells us that he was honored shortly after that event by an
appointment to the office of Royal Cosmographer and Pensioner of His
Majesty the Catholic King. Michael became a resident of Brussels, where
he carried on his work as an engraver, particularly of maps, but it was
as an astronomer that he won special distinction, having given much
attention to the investigations of methods for the determination of
longitude and he is further credited with having given the so-called
seas of the moon the names by which they are still known.

As globe maker perhaps the greater honor is due Jacobus Florentius,
since it appears that Arnold, though perhaps the more active, reproduced
in the main only the works of his father, adding improvement here and
there and endeavoring, perhaps in part for business reasons, to keep his
globe maps up to date. Reference has been made above to the oldest
extant Van Langren globe, which bears the date 1585. Van der Aa refers
to a request of Arnold Floris van Langelaer and of his father, Jacob
Floris van Langelaer, presented to the States of Gelderland and
accompanying a copy of his globe, which seems to have been dated 1580.
Of this globe it is stated that it was “een seer correcte ende schoone
Globum terrestrem, van de grootste forme,” and that it was inscribed as
is that of the year 1585. A doubt, however, arises as to the accuracy of
the date 1580, since Van der Aa states in the same article that
Arnoldus was born in the year 1571. This particular globe was formerly
kept in the “Geldersch Gerichtshof,” as Van Hasselt tells us, but since
the destruction of that court nothing has been known of the inventory of
the objects which had been placed therein. In support, however, of an
early date, perhaps 1580, for the first Van Langren globe, we find in
the dedication of a work by Nicolas Petri, published in the year 1588,
and issued as a manual for the use of globes, that it was especially
made for the use of a Van Langren globe. In this work the author is
represented in picture in the act of examining a globe, a picture
practically the same as that appearing in a work by Petri issued in the
year 1583. It seems, therefore, not to be an erroneous inference that
the author gives us here a representation of the Van Langren globe of
1580, which is wanting much in the accuracy with which its details are
given.

The globe of 1585, referred to above as the oldest extant of Van
Langren, may be found in the collection of the Museo dell’ Osservatorio
del Collegio Romano (Fig. 84). The dedication under an elaborately
colored coat of arms of Denmark reads, “Serenissimo atque potentissimo
Principi Domino D. Christiano nn. Daniae Norvegiae Vandalorum et
Gothorum Regi Duci Slesvivi Holsatiae Stormariae et Dithmortiae Comiti
Oldenburgi et Del menorsti Jacobus Florentius dedicabat.” “To the Most
Serene and mighty Prince Lord D. Christian King of Denmark, Norway, the
Wends and the Goths, Duke of Schleswick Holstein, Stormarn, Ditmarsh,
Count of Oldenburg and Delmenhorst (this globe) is dedicated by Jacobus
Florent.” The usual letter to the reader or to the one who might have
occasion to make use of the globe gives the information: “In
descriptione hujus globi ubiq: sequuti sumus castigatissimas Tabulas
geographicas quibus Hispani et Lusitani in suis americis et indicis
navigationibus utantur; aliorumque probatissimas Septentrionalium
regionum descriptiones. De nostro suis locis addidimus quadrata ut
vocant nautica et ventorum regiones quae omnia ad usum navigantium ad
amussim accomodavimus quaemadmodum Geographiae candidati propius
inspiciendo reperient. Vale fruere.” “In the construction of this globe
I have everywhere made use of the most accurate geographical tables,
such as were used by the Spaniards and the Portuguese in their voyages
to America and the East Indies; as also for the northern regions the
very best drawings of others. My own contribution has been to insert in
the proper places the nautical squares, as they are called, and the
directions of the winds, all of which I have carefully adapted to the
need of the navigator, as experts in geography will, on examination,
recognize. Farewell and may you be happy.” In a cartouch on the left we
read “Jacobus Florentius Ultrajectensis autor,” and on the right
“Arnoldus Florentius filius sculptor Amstelodami 1585.” The sphere,
which is hollow, is constructed of wooden strips covered with a
preparation of plaster. It has a diameter of about 32 cm. and is
therefore slightly smaller than is the Mercator globe of 1541. It is
furnished with a graduated brass meridian circle and with a horizon
circle of the same material, which is supported by four arms or
quadrants upheld by a simple base. The engraved gores pasted on the ball
are twelve in number and extend to within twenty degrees of the poles,
the remaining space being covered with an engraved circular disc, in
accord with a method first employed by Mercator. The surface of the
globe is not well preserved, yet notwithstanding the injuries which time
has brought to it, it remains a masterpiece of engraving and a valuable
geographical record of that early day. Its numerous inscriptions are of
much interest. We read, for example, in latitude 35 degrees south and
longitude 185 degrees, “Vastissimas hic esse regiones ex M. Pauli Veneti
et Ludovico Vartomanni scriptis peregrinationibus liquido constat.” “The
voyage of Marco Polo and of Ludovico Varthema make it certain that an
enormous territory exists here.” In latitude 16 degrees south and
longitude 175 degrees is the legend, “Moluccae vocantur 5 insulae
ordine postiae juxta Gilolo quarum suprema Tarenare deinceps Tidore
Motir Machiam et infima Bachiam.” “The Moluccas is the name given to the
five islands in a row close to Gilolo, the uppermost of which is
Tarenare, then Tidore, Motir, Machiam, and the lowest Bachiam.” In
latitude 10 degrees south and longitude 348 degrees we read, “Marañon
fluvius investus fuit a Vincentio Yañes Pinzon an: 1499 et an: 1542
totus a fontibus fere ad ostia usq: divulgatus a Francesco Oregliana
leucis 1560 mensibus 8 dulces in mari servat aquas usque 40 leucis.”
“The Amazon River was discovered by Vicente Yañez Pinzon in 1499, while
in 1542 Francisco Orellana explored it a distance of 1560 leagues or
almost its entire length from source to mouth in eight months. In the
sea its waters are still fresh forty leagues from land.” The following
is placed in latitude 28 degrees north and longitude 320 degrees, “A. D.
1492. 12 octobris Christophorus Columbus novam Indiam nomine regis
Castellae delexit, prima terra quam conquisit fuit Haiti nunc
Hispaniola.” “October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus took possession of
New India in the name of the King of Castile. The first land he
conquered was called Haiti now called Hispaniola.” In latitude 65
degrees north and longitude 230 degrees is the legend, “Regio deserta in
qua equi oves et boves silvestres sunt plurimi quales esse in una
Hebridum insularum narratur.” “A desert country in which there are a
great many wild horses, sheep and cattle, as is said to be the case in
one of the Hebrides.”

That this Van Langren globe was well received by his contemporaries
seems to be witnessed by the special privilege granted September 9,
1592, to Jacobus Florentius a Langren by the Estates of Amsterdam to
issue the same.[371] On presenting his request for the privilege the
author states that he was the inventor of globes of this character, that
his globes were unsurpassed in the matter of correctness by any which
had been previously issued, and that with the aid of his globes certain
Dutch navigators had sailed to Pernambuco in Brazil, to the island of
St. Thomas under the equator, to the Isle de Principe and to other
places. This privilege was renewed to him and to his sons Arnoldus and
Henricus in the year 1596. In the following year the Estates General
granted a privilege to Jodocus Hondius, who had constructed a globe in
England in the year 1593, of which, however, no example appears now to
be known. The Van Langrens contested this claim at law, the results of
which contest seem not to be recorded, but we know that Jodocus Hondius
enumerated at this time what he considered to be the particular points
in which his own globes excelled.[372] In his report he enumerated no
less than fourteen important geographical discoveries which were not
represented on the globes of his opponents, the Van Langrens, the
majority of which, as corrections, seem to have been accepted, since
they appear on the later Van Langren globes and not on the earlier, that
is, on the one of 1585.

The Kon. Nederl. Aardrijkskundig Genootschap has recently come into
possession of the finest known example of the Van Langren globes (Fig.
85), as indeed it is one of the finest extant globes of that
period.[373] The engraved gores, twelve in number, are pasted on a
hollow sphere of papier-mâché and plaster, having a diameter of 52.8 cm.
It is furnished with a graduated copper meridian circle within which it
is adjusted to revolve, a horizon circle of wood on which appear the
names of the winds in Greek, Latin, and Dutch, the names of the months,
the names of the principal feast days, and the signs of the zodiac, the
whole resting on a base of oak having six supporting columns. As an
example of the engraver’s art the map which covers the sphere is one of
superior excellence. A manuscript dedication, pasted on its surface near
the “Mar di India” and surmounted by a representation of the Spanish
coat of arms, reads, “Collegio Ratiociniorum Brabanti regnantibus;
Alberto et Isabellae Opt. Max. Belgii Principibus. Singulari observantia
Dedicabat Arnoldus Florentinus a Langren. Ano Dni 1612.” “To the
College of Computations of Brabant, to Albert and Isabella, the very
great Princes of Belgium, Arnold Florentius van Langren dedicates with
great respect (this globe) in the year 1612.” Beneath “Nova Guinea” is
given the privilege “Cautum est privilegio ordinum Confoederatorum
Inferioris Germaniae, ne quis alius ad decennium globum hunc terrestrem
absq. consensu Jacobi Florentii civis Amsteldamen. typis mandare vel
simili, vel alia forma excudere, vel alibi impressum adducere, aut
vendere ausit, sub poena in diplomate statuta, 1608.” “Warning is given
by the privilege (copyright) of the Confederated States of the
Netherlands that no other individual for a period of ten years, shall
venture to print in similar or in other form, to stamp (engrave) or make
an impression, or to sell, under penalty set down in the diploma, 1608.”
In this legend the date 1608 has been written over the engraved date
1597.

[Illustration: Fig. 85. Terrestrial Globe of Van Langren, 1612.]

Among the legends appearing in the southern hemisphere is one which is
but a repetition of that appearing in the edition of 1585 referring to
the source of information beginning, “In descriptio hujus ...” Beneath
the artistic cartouch wherein is placed the last-named legend is one in
which are recorded the names of the author and the engraver, “Jacobus
Florentius Ultrajectensis Author: Arnoldus Florentius filius sculptor
Amstelredami Ao. Dni,” the date, partially erased from the copper plate
employed in the printing, seems to read 1585. Certain regions are
adorned with pictures in which are represented the aborigines, and the
local fauna and flora. Sea monsters constitute a part of the decorative
features of the globe map, and ships sail hither and thither over the
oceans, carrying the flags of their respective countries. The author has
laid down the “Streto de Anian” which separated America from Asia, and
California is a peninsula. The “Quivira regnum” is made to include a
part of western North America, and the great stretch of country to the
west of the Mississippi appears to be the home of wild horses and
cattle. The eastern coast line of America included within the present
limits of the United States is represented with a remarkable approach to
accuracy, a portion of his information for that region being derived
from the report of Thomas Heriot. Following Mercator there have been
placed four large islands around the north pole, and in the north
Atlantic “Frisland,” “S. Brandain,” and “Brasil.” India, Australia, and
other regions of the Far East have been represented with remarkable
faithfulness to the latest and best records of Dutch navigators, and the
author profited by Dutch records of exploration in his representation of
the Nova Zembla region. There is yet a far from accurate delineation of
the great eastern archipelago. Java, Celebes, Borneo, and “Nova Guinea”
have been fairly well outlined, and about the south pole is that great
austral continent conspicuous on the maps of the period, but very
generally outlined as the fancy of the map maker directed.

In the library of the University of Ghent is a Van Langren terrestrial
globe undated but apparently completed not long after 1616, since it
directs attention to the Strait of Lemaire, discovered in that year. It
has the authors’ inscription “Jacobus Florentius Ultrajectensis Author.
Arnoldus Florentius filius sculptor Amsterdam,” and bears in addition
the legend “Arnoldus Florentius a Langren, Serenissum. Archiducu. Austr.
Burgundiae, Brabantiae, Ducum, Sphaereographus Author. Cum Privileg.”
“Arnoldus Florentius a Langren globe maker and author to the most Serene
Archduke of Austria, of Burgundy, Duke of Brabant. With privilege.” This
globe is described as one well preserved, resembling very closely that
of 1612, particularly in its geographical details as well as in its
mountings.

The Bibliothèque Nationale of Paris possesses a Van Langren terrestrial
globe, with date illegible, but thought to be 1625, which appears to be
a reissue of the previous editions, especially of the later ones. A
legend including an address to the reader concludes with a reference to
the author “Arnoldus Florentio a Langren Reg. Cat. Majis. cosmografo et
pensionario.” “Arnoldus Florentius a Langren, cosmographer and pensioner
of His Catholic Majesty.”

There are two globes of Arnoldus, a celestial and a terrestrial,
formerly in the Municipal Archives of Antwerp, now in the
Plantin-Moritus Museum. An inscription on the celestial globe reads:
“Globus coelestis stellarum fixarum loca ipsis in coelo ad amussim
congrua repraesentans ad annum 1600 juxta accuratas observationes
Tychonis Brahe denuo ad annum 162- diligentiss. restitutus novis item
stellis 400 hactenus non notatis. Ornatusque trecentis stellis circa
polum antarcticum ab Houtmanno Holando observatis industria Arnoldi
Florentii van Langren Cosmographici, qui olim observationibus: Tyconis
interfuit. Operam sibi filii parenti felicissime contulerunt.” “A
celestial globe which represents the position of the fixed stars,
corresponding to the actual position of the stars in the sky in the year
1600, following the accurate observations of Tycho Brahe and with great
care again calculated for the year 162-: also 400 new stars are added
which had not hitherto been recorded. Also there have been added 300
south polar stars that were observed by Houtman of Holland. Constructed
by Arnold Florent van Langren, cosmographer who assisted Tycho in his
observations. The sons have aided their father with the happiest
effect.”

The terrestrial globe, in a much better state of preservation, contains,
in a neat cartouch, an address to the reader, explaining the merits of
the globe map: “Quandoquidem quotidiana diversarum nationum, praecipue
tamen Holandorum navigatione omnes mundi plagas perlustrantium, varii
orbis tractus, remotae insulae et quamplurima regna hactenenus incognita
nunc in dies innotuere, et quae fuere cognita majori studio et situs
observatione perlustrata sunt. Prodit hic noster Globus multo
praecedentibus a nobis editis, qui primi in his provinciis prodierunt
accuratior et emendatior. In quo omnium locorum nomina, et quo tempore,
et cujus auspiciis quaeque detecta sint expressimus. Curavimus
praeterea non sine magno labore et cura, ut singulae Regiones, Insulae,
Portus, Braevia, et Scopuli suae longitudini et latitudini respondeant,
quibus Indices seu lineas ventorum ...” “Inasmuch as, on account of
voyages, daily undertaken by various nations, especially the Dutch, who
have sailed along all the coasts of the world, the various regions of
the earth, distant islands, and innumerable countries hitherto unknown,
have every day become better known (additional facts) and our knowledge
of those already discovered has become much clearer through a more
detailed examination and detailed observation, this present globe of
ours, presents itself to the public as one much more exact, more free
from errors than those previously issued by us, which were the first
ever presented to the public of these provinces. On it we have recorded
the names of all places, also when and under whose auspices they were
severally discovered. We have taken the greatest care and pains to make
the location of the various regions, islands, seaports, shoals, and
rocks correspond to the true latitude and longitude, whereby the
directions of the winds (loxodromic lines) ...” The concluding lines of
this address are illegible, but there seems to be nothing of special
importance lost. The author’s signature reads “Auctor Arnoldo Florentio
a Langre Reg. Cat: Maᵗⁱˢ Cosmographo et Pensionario.” “Author
Arnoldus Florentius a Langren, cosmographer and pensioner of His Royal
Catholic Majesty.”

A copy of a Van Langren globe may be found in the Museum of Zütphen, but
information concerning it has not been obtainable other than that it is
in a damaged condition, and is apparently another example of the one
referred to above as of 1612.

Among those interested in geography, in astronomy, and particularly in
the construction of armillary spheres in this period very special
mention should be made of Antonio Santucci. For some time he served
Prince, later Grand Duke, Ferdinand de’ Medici as his cosmographer. It
was during this period of service that he restored the famous
terrestrial globe of Egnazio Danti which was a particularly creditable
piece of work. In the year 1582 he constructed a large armillary sphere
composed of wooden rings, very artistically gilded and painted,
representing in particular the orbits of the planets. This the Prince is
said to have presented to one Battaglioni of Naples; further than this
fact nothing seems to be known of this particular example. In the year
1606, we are informed, he collected and sent to the Grand Duke a number
of valuable maps relating to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the West Indies,
and to the several separate countries of Europe. In the year 1619 he
published, through the favor of Duke Ferdinand, a treatise on comets and
the new stars appearing between the years 1577 and 1607. What is
probably the finest of all his spheres belongs to the Museo di Strumenti
Antichi of Florence, which has been restored and interestingly described
by the distinguished scholar, Ferdinand Meucci.[374] As an instrument
intended to represent the entire universe, though constructed for
display rather than for use, it remains one of the finest constructed in
the peninsula during the century.

The largest of its nine concentric circles has a diameter of 220 cm.,
the smallest a diameter of 70 cm., and at the common center is a
terrestrial globe having a diameter of 60 cm. Each of the nine great
circles or spheres has its own smaller circles representing the equator,
the ecliptic, the colures, and the polar circles, the ninth having also
the tropics and the hour circle. The eighth, representing the starry
heavens, has its ecliptic four times the width of the corresponding
circles of the other spheres. Meucci states, in his detailed
description, that there are no less than eighty-two armillae or rings,
large and small, to which, he adds, eight larger ones might be added,
these being cut in half and arranged somewhat in the form of a cup, the
lower half supporting the horizon circle, the upper half serving as a
support for an adjustable cover of the entire instrument. This
arrangement suggests that it was the author’s intention to have these
last-named half circles represent the empyrean or home of the celestial
spirits, a thought supported by the fact that at the common intersecting
point of the upper half of these circles is placed a disc on which is
represented the Deity in the act of contemplating his creation. The
whole instrument is topped by a cross.

Meucci, in referring to his own work of restoring and remounting the
great sphere, observes that at the poles of the ecliptic there are two
discs on which have been painted the coat of arms of the Medici family
together with the coat of arms of the Lorena, Christina di Lorena being
the wife of Ferdinand, to whom the work had been dedicated. He further
notes that his researches led him to the discovery that the instrument
originally cost 1052.2 scudi, which, with an incidental addition of 170
scudi, thought proper to be included in the reckoning, would make the
entire expense of construction 1222.2 scudi or about 7187 liri, that is,
less than $1400. The amount seems insignificant, remembering that the
work was begun in the year 1588 and was not completed until the year
1593, claiming therefore five years of the maker’s time. The map on the
terrestrial globe seems to have been well drawn, and is remarkable for
its representation of the geography of the interior of Africa,
particularly for the region about the source of the Nile.

In the library of Mr. Henry E. Huntington may be found an exceedingly
fine armillary sphere (Fig. 86). It is neither signed nor dated, but
there appears to be good reason for attributing it to Antonio Santucci,
and its date to about the year 1580. Constructed entirely of wood, with
paper identifying labels pasted on the surface of each of the numerous
circles, it is a well-preserved example of Italian workmanship. It is
furnished with horizon, meridian, tropical, polar, and ecliptic circles,
the first being graduated on both the outer and the inner edge. This
horizon circle has a diameter of about 50 cm., and a width of about 7
cm., the width of the other circles being well proportioned for artistic
effect. Within the circles named are those representing the orbits of
“Luna,” “Mercurio,” “Venere,” “Sole,” “Marte,” “Giove,” “Saturno,” with
the earth at the center according to the Ptolemaic system. It has a
single standard support resting on a solid circular disc about 33 cm. in
diameter.

[Illustration: Fig. 86. Armillary Sphere of Antonio Santucci (?), ca.
1580.]

The Mathematisch-Physikal. Salon of Dresden possesses a fine celestial
globe signed and dated “B. F. 1600.” It is an exceedingly elaborate
piece (Fig. 87), being made of gilded bronze and furnished with a
mounting of ornamental design. The sphere, having a diameter of 11.6
cm., exhibits on its engraved surface in outline the figures of the
several constellations, with the name of each, and in addition the
principal celestial circles including the meridians. It is furnished, in
its mountings, with a graduated bronze meridian circle to which is
attached, near the north equatorial pole, a clock dial with hour and
minute hands, the dial being marked with the hours from I to XII.
Surmounting the whole is an artistic bronze box, within which have been
placed the works by means of which the clock is driven and the sphere
made to revolve. The broad horizon circle, which is engraved with the
usual concentric circles, rests upon branched supports, which in turn
are attached to a finely wrought base having four curved legs
terminating in conventionally designed griffin claws.

[Illustration: Fig. 87. Celestial Globe of B. F., 1600.]

Though differing very considerably in the details of its construction,
it may be classed with such globes as are those made by Roll and
Reinhold, briefly described above. Indeed, the suggestion forces itself
upon one that to their workshop or to one who may be referred to as a
workman of their school, we owe this interesting example. Attention has
been previously called to certain early globes which seem primarily to
have been constructed to contain the works of clocks such as the
Jagellonicus. Here as in the case of the Roll and Reinhold globes, and
as in certain other examples, we find clockwork attachments designed to
regulate the revolutions of the globe of which they form a part. While
the globe is the more elaborately wrought part of this particular
example, it does not seem improbable that the clock originally was
considered to be the more important part.

NOTES

[334] See Chap. X.

[335] Kästner. Geschichte der Mathematik. Vol. II, pp. 215
ff.; Wolf, R. Notizen zur Geschichte der Mathematik in der
Schweiz, “Conrad Dasypodius.” (In: Mitteilung der
naturforschenden Gesellschaft zu Bern. Bern, 1845. No. 56.);
Allgemeine deutsche Biographie, “Dasypodius, Conrad.”

[336] Doppelmayr. Historische Nachricht. p. 51.

[337] Schricker, A. Z. Zur Geschichte der Universität
Strassburg. Strassburg, 1872; Heitz, E. Zur Geschichte der
alten Strassburger Universität. Strassburg, 1885.

[338] The British Museum Catalogue lists many of these
works.

[339] Wolf, R. Nachrichten. (In: Mitteilung der
naturforschenden Gesellschaft zu Bern. Bern, 1854. p. 69.);
Doppelmayr, op. cit., p. 115; Habrecht, I. Tractatus de
planiglobis coelestis ac terrestris. Strassburg, 1628.

[340] Doppelmayr, op. cit., p. 208.

[341] Montucla, J. E. Histoire des Mathématiques ... Paris,
1799-1802.

[342] Dasypodius, C. Horologii astronomei Argentorati in
summo templo erecti descriptio. Argentorati, 1580; same
author. Warhafftige Auslegung des astronomischen Uhrwercks
zu Strassburg. Strassburg, 1580.

[343] Schwilgué, C. Description abrégée de l’horologe
astronomique de la cathédrale de Strassbourg. Strassbourg,
1856.

[344] Britten, F. J. Old clocks and watches and their
makers. London, 1899.

[345] Varnhagen, A. de. J. Schöner e P. Apian. Wien, 1872;
Günther, S. Peter und Philipp Apian, zwei deutsche
Mathematiker und Kartographen. Prag, 1882; Nordenskiöld.
Facsimile Atlas, p. 100.

In the year 1520 Peter Apianus published in his edition of
Solinus’ Polyhistor a world map, following therein the
general design of Waldseemüller in his world map of the year
1507. The map of Apianus has long been regarded as one of
the most important of the early printed maps on which the
New World is represented. Until the recent discovery by
Professor Joseph Fischer of Waldseemüller’s long-lost map,
it has frequently been referred to as the first engraved map
on which the name “America” appears. The ‘Cosmographia’ of
Apianus, first issued in the year 1524, was frequently
reissued thereafter, notably by Gemma Frisius.

[346] Clemens, C. Musei, sive bibliothecae tam privatae quam
publicae extructio. Lugduni, 1635. Liber Quartus. p. 527.

[347] Kepler, J. Joannis Kepleri Opera Omnia. Ed. by Frisch.
Frankfurt, 1858. Vol. I, p. 812.

[348] Gemelin, L. Untersatz eines Globus von Philipp Apian.
(In: Stuttgarter Gewerbhalle. Stuttgart, 1885. Taf. 62.);
Günther, S. Die Münchener Globen Philipp Apians. (In:
Jahrbuch für münchener Geschichte. München, 1888. pp.
131-148.)

[349] Günther. Die Münchener Globen. p. 132.

[350] Zimmermann, M. Hans Müelich und Herzog Albrecht V.
München, 1885. The author thinks it hardly probable that
Müelich was the artist employed in the decoration of these
globes, but praises the excellent workmanship exhibited.
Kobolt, A. M. Bairisches Gelehrten-Lexikon. Landshut, 1795.
pp. 52 ff.; also in his Erganzungen und Berichtigungen.
Landshut, 1824. p. 21.

[351] Fiorini. Sfere terrestri e celesti. p. 221. The author
briefly describes the Plautus globes. The information
contained therein was also kindly sent for insertion in this
work by the director of the Museum.

[352] Gerland. Beiträge. p. 69. See Chap. viii, n. 21.

[353] Fiorini, op. cit., pp. 200-202.

[354] Gassendi, P. Tychonis Brahei equitis Dani astronomorum
coryphaei vita. Hagae, 1655; Dreyer, J. L. E. Tycho Brahe, a
picture of scientific life and work in the sixteenth
century. Edinburgh, 1890; Brahe, T. Astronomiae instauratae
mechanica. Noribergae, 1602; Brahe, T. Epistolarum
astronomicarum libri. Uraniburgi, 1596; Brahe, T. Tychonis
Brahe mathim: eminent: Dani Opera Omnia. Ed. by J. G.
Schonvetteri, Francofurti, 1648; Wolf. Geschichte der
Astronomie. pp. 269-281; Kästner. Geschichte der Mathematik.
Vol. II, pp. 376-411.

[355] Dreyer, op. cit., Chaps. v, vi.

[356] Tyconis Brahe astronomiae instauratae Mechanica.

[357] Raemdonck. Les sphères terrestres. p. 28; Chatel, M.
Note sur une globe terrestre ... de la succession de Titon
du Tillet. (In: Mémoire lus à la Sorbonne. Paris, 1865. pp.
161-170.)

[358] Marcel, G. Note sur une sphère terrestre faite en
cuivre à la fin du XVIᵉ Siècle. (In: Bulletin de la Société
normande de Géographie. Rouen, 1891. pp. 153-160.)

[359] Humboldt, A. Examen Critique. Paris, 1836-1839. Vol.
II, pp. 152-155; Harrisse. Discovery, pp. 657-658.

[360] Hakluyt, R. The principal Navigations, Voyages and
Discoveries of the English Nation. London, 1589.

[361] Hood, D. The use of both the Globes, celestial and
terrestrial, most plainly delivered in the form of a
dialogue. London, 1592.

[362] Blundeville, T. Mr. Blundeville his Exercises. London,
1594.

[363] See above, p. 193.

[364] The several editions of this work are given by
Markham, C. Hues, Treatise on Globes, pp. xxxvii-xl.

[365] Allgemeine deutsche Biographie “Bürgi, Jobst”;
Doppelmayr, op. cit., p. 163; Wolf, R. Bürgi. (In: Biograph.
z. Kulturgeschichte, 1 Zyklus, pp. 57 ff.); Weidler, F.
Historia astronomiae. Vitembergae, 1741. p. 375; Gerland,
op. cit., p. 68.

[366] Marcel, G. Note sur une mission géographique en
Suisse. (In: Bulletin de la Société de Géographie. Paris,
1899. pp. 76-94.)

[367] Fischer, J. The globe-goblet of Wolfegg. (In: United
States Catholic Historical Society Historical Records and
Studies. New York, 1913. pp. 275-279.) See for mention of
other Gessner globe cups.

[368] A sixteenth century globe cup. (In: Royal Geographical
Journal. London, 1919. pp. 196-197.) This particular globe
of Gessner was sold at Christie’s in London, July 23, 1919,
for £3800. It is thought to have been made in the year 1595.
Attention is called in this article to a globe cup in the
British Museum, dated 1569.

[369] Beazley, C. R. Globe of 1593. (In: Royal Geographical
Journal. London, 1904. pp. 496-498.)

[370] Poggendorff, J. C. Biographisch-literarisches
Handwörterbuch. Leipzig, 1863; Kästner, op. cit., p. 393;
Génard, P. Les Globes du géographe Arnauld Florent van
Langren et de Guill. Blaeu. (In: Bulletin de la Société
Royale Géographie d’Anvers. Anvers, 1883. pp. 150 ff.; Van
der Aa.)

[371] Wieder, F. C. De Globe van Van Langren Aᵒ 1612. (In:
Kon. Nederlandsch Aardrijkskundig Genootschap, 2ᵉ Série Dl.
XXXII, 1915, pp. 231-239.)

[372] Jonge, J. K. J. de. Opkomst van het Nederlandsch gezag
in Oost-Indie. Gravenhage, 1862. Vol. I, p. 179. The author
gives here a report rendered by J. Hondius in which he
refers to the superiority of his globes to those of Van
Langren. The report is dated 1597.

[373] Wieder, op. cit., n. 36 above, is a description of
this globe with illustrations.

[374] Meucci, F. La Sfera armillere di Tolomeo construita da
Antonia Santucci. Firenze, 1876.

[Illustration: Base of Apianus Globe, 1576]