Copyright
PREFACE
TO THE READER
PART ONE
The Purpose of the Ecstatic Journey
Dear Reader, the Ecstatic Journey that I embarked upon some time ago into the celestial realms of higher Nature under the faithful guidance and auspices of Cosmiel has now become a matter of public knowledge. I have learned that it has garnered great recognition through the approval of learned individuals, which has provided me with additional motivation and incentive for another unprecedented expedition. But what journey do I speak of? What is it that you would wish to know, dear Reader? Allow me to explain briefly: I am setting forth on a journey, not in a mere chariot, but in one far more sublime than the legendary abduction chariot of Proserpina by Pluto. My journey will take me into the hitherto unexplored realms of the Subterranean World, deep into the innermost sanctuaries of the Geocosmic Kingdom. It is indeed a bold and audacious undertaking, one that might even give pause to Hercules himself. So, why has no mortal dared to attempt such a journey, let alone presume to explore its depths based on human persuasion? The answer is that I dare, yes, I dare to undertake it. My motivation arises not solely from my own will but from the earnest entreaties of illustrious individuals. I acknowledge that some may regard my proposed endeavor as more akin to a utopian tale than an actual journey, and I do not challenge that view. Those who lack experience in such matters often form superficial and erroneous judgments. Yet, I trust that true Philosophers, impartially weighing the evidence and motivations presented, will appreciate the Majesty of Divine Works and the providence governing the boundaries of nature. I am fully aware that this humble work may appear to some as an account of an actual journey, but I believe that true Philosophers will impartially weigh the reasons and motivations I present. So, let us prepare ourselves for this journey. Certain Philosophers, misled by false beliefs, hold the view that the Earth's mass, the handiwork of God the Creator, was shaped from the Earth's mud as if it were an accidental accumulation of clay rather than a product of purposeful design. They convince themselves that every inner chamber, every hidden aspect of nature, every aqueduct of water, lacks any purpose or structure, condensed solely by the saturation of mud, clay, and sediment as if it were truly a useless and burdensome weight, forsaken due to their own obstinate mindset. This view is most unworthy of true Philosophers, and the doctrine they profess is futile and absurd.
I recognize that, during this enlightened age, there have been individuals distinguished in the field of geographical studies who have diligently sought to explain the external face of the Earth with remarkable effort and earned well-deserved praise and immortal fame. However, none have ventured to uncover the inner workings of the Earth and the secrets of hidden nature or to penetrate them with their minds. Therefore, driven by my nature to shed light on the obscure phenomena of the natural world and fueled by an insatiable desire to understand their causes and penetrate their mysteries, I have undertaken this journey. I credit myself with commendable effort and intention. That is why I have turned my attention to the structure of the Subterranean World, a domain hitherto neglected, either due to the hidden recesses of nature or the unknown and insurmountable challenges of investigating it. I considered it inconceivable that God and Nature would create anything in vain. The Supreme Wisdom of the Divine Artisan has adorned it with wondrous precision, arranging it with architectural finesse and employing ineffable craftsmanship in the multifarious compartments of the elements, each serving manifold purposes in Nature. Motivated by the ardor of my inquisitive mind, I have spared no effort to penetrate as deeply as possible into the constitution of these hidden aspects. I was not content with the conclusions drawn solely from various writings; I felt compelled to explore the hidden truths through my own investigations, verified by firsthand experience. Therefore, from various accounts addressing the constitution of the entire globe and specific regions, as recorded in geographical works, I diligently noted whatever struck me as rare, unusual, or paradoxical. I marveled at the ocean's various movements, the ebb and flow of tides, the alternating surges of straits, and the unfathomable depths of many abysses in various locations. I was captivated by the ocean's infiltration into the innermost recesses of subterranean mountains and by the absorption of rivers in one place and their resurgence much farther away. I also found fascination in the interaction of lakes with underground mountain reservoirs, as well as the hidden interconnections of the entire ocean with other seas, lakes, rivers, streams, and springs.
My exploration did not end there. I delved into the inner chambers of metallic mines with incredible diligence to understand the nature of a miner's trade, leaving no stone unturned. I ascended Mount Etna, explored Mount Stromboli, and even descended into Mount Vesuvius. I meticulously measured the craters of each volcano. I examined the hidden passages of their caves, all in the pursuit of comprehending the inaccessible origins of surrounding nature more intimately and drawing suitable conclusions according to my plan. I undertook this investigation with unbridled enthusiasm, not without great risks to my life. It is difficult to convey how much I marveled at the wonders of the visible world after such comprehensive examinations. However, my desire to uncover the underlying causes was even more profound. Thus, by weaving together various elements through the art of synthesis, I scrutinized them more closely. I discovered that the inner structure of the Geocosm, or the Earth's globe, differed markedly from the common conception held by humanity. I realized that it had been designed with no less skill and eternal wisdom than the human body, complete with numerous vital organs, distinct functions, an intricate network of veins, nerves, and fiber ducts, and countless concealed passageways and channels. Therefore, this long-anticipated work, the result of many years of labor and the hazards encountered in exploring the subterranean environment, could not have a more fitting title than 'Mundus Subterraneus.' What is seen diffused in the vast diversity of things within the infinite machinery of the entire world appears to be condensed into a certain embodiment within the Geocosm. Hence, dear Reader, you now have before you my plan for describing this Subterranean World. If it fails to fully satisfy you, I ask that you attribute it not solely to me but also to the constraints of preparing a prelude to future work's extensive theme. What may have been omitted here due to the constraints of time, the challenges faced, or the complexities of variety and multitude, you will, I hope, find orderly arranged and of considerable interest, free of impediments, and enriched with a wealth of experiments and authoritative sources, akin to a treasury of all things in nature. Furthermore, just as in the Celestial Journey, where I employed the allegorical guidance of Cosmiel to explore the inaccessible secrets of higher Nature, I have chosen to proceed in a similar manner in this Journey of the Subterranean World. Therefore, do not be swayed by the raptures, ecstasies, and spirits, or similar expressions often associated with those inspired by God's illumination. Understand that they serve no purpose other than facilitating various intellectual pursuits and providing a clearer exposition of natural phenomena through questions and answers using allegorical language and symbols. Consider this entire discourse as nothing more than profound inspiration diffused into the hidden chambers of Nature. These things are concealed and far removed from the comprehension of the human intellect, and it is a task reserved for those who have ventured into the labyrinths of philosophy with great intellectual fervor and a deep concern for the preservation of knowledge. Lastly, let it be understood that the ultimate aim of all these explorations is the glory of the Divine, a return to the source from which all things emanate, as if from the origin of all that is good. So, the pious Reader should not consider our undertaking in this subject matter as fruitless. In the manner of Ascetics, I have interwoven elements for the salvation of the soul and constructed a kind of Mystic ladder through which the devout mind can ascend from the contemplation of visible things to attain the abundance of eternal invisible blessings. Thus, as one progresses from virtue to virtue through the contemplation of the things ordained for human use by Eternal Wisdom, they may ultimately reach the summit of all happiness, which is the God of Gods in Zion. This God, therefore, is eternally praised, blessed immeasurably, and loved infinitely.
SECOND PART
The purpose and structure of this Work.
A Reader, drawn in by the intriguing title gracing the cover of this booklet, might initially pause and find themselves puzzled upon their very first encounter with its contents. Now, with utmost sincerity and to the best of my ability, I shall provide a concise explanation of the purpose behind my endeavor.
Illustrious individuals have, over time, persistently encouraged me through their literary appeals to publish the long-promised work titled 'Mundus Subterraneus.' However, this extensive work, brimming with unexplored topics and the abundance of nature's miracles, appeared to require more free time than one could imagine. It demanded audacity of spirit and numerous preliminary experiments to delve into the countless hidden causes and wonders of nature contained within it. Consequently, this work, seemingly reaching its zenith, encountered continual delays due in part to a devastating plague outbreak in Italy, various military conflicts of the era, and the sorrowful passing of Ferdinand III, a generous patron. New and unforeseen obstacles continually arose, and the lack of necessary support not only impeded progress but left it delayed by a stroke of misfortune, awaiting a brighter turn of fate. However, to ensure that the work would not be swallowed and extinguished by the prevailing whirlwinds of misfortune and to prevent the waning of fervent anticipation of those expecting its completion, it appeared appropriate to compose this present concise work. It serves as a summary of the subjects that will be further explored in the comprehensive 'Mundus Subterraneus.' It aims to seek the judgment of learned individuals regarding the purpose of my undertaking and provide some fitting support for the aforementioned work. Now, you might wonder about the nature of this support. I shall briefly explain the essence of my objective. Guided by extensive experience and the wisdom of specialists, I have come to understand that certain marvelous effects, integral to the workings of earthly nature, are so universally distributed across the world's regions that scarcely any territory does not exhibit these playful and extraordinary phenomena. To reach the fundamental reasons, deeply concealed within the innermost recesses of things, requires extended and profound mental scrutiny, eventually unveiling them through the application of various principles of combinatorial analysis. Having gained knowledge of these matters from various sources and realizing that such an extensive body of information cannot be the sole work of one individual, I recognized the necessity of engaging with others who could furnish me with the essential knowledge. Hence, I resolved to establish a literary exchange with Physicians, Chemists, and other Masters of profound philosophy to gather a wealth of information regarding the nature of specific locations, the inherent constitution of terrestrial regions, and other astonishing phenomena. These phenomena manifest in the unique qualities of springs and thermal waters, the hidden properties of region-specific winds, various minerals and metallic substances, as well as diverse juices, oils, and other substances that yield remarkable effects. With this wealth of information, I aspired to provide a more solid foundation for the arguments presented in the Great Work, enhancing its overall brilliance. Ultimately, I hoped that the productive workshops of nature concealed within the sanctuaries of the Subterranean World, perpetually engaged in the generation of various entities, could be elucidated in a more accessible manner. Additionally, I aimed to uncover the causes of these extraordinary phenomena, which often perplex the minds of physicists, to the great benefit of scholarly knowledge. In summary, this outlines the rationale behind my plan, albeit briefly, considering the vastness of the subject matter at hand.
I will also clarify the structure of this current work. As you can observe, it is divided into three dialogues. The first dialogue, involving the interlocutors Hydriel and Theodidactus, explores the universal principle of water as the foundation of all things, delving into its necessity and utility in the natural order. This dialogue, which I had previously composed at the Emperor's behest, I deemed fitting to place as a sort of prelude preceding the subsequent two dialogues. This initial dialogue primarily addresses universal principles, while the subsequent dialogues, featuring the interlocutors Cosmiel and Theodidactus, proceed to elucidate these principles through the investigation of proximate causes. These are the primary matters we considered essential to convey to you, dear reader. Furthermore, if you find any elements deserving of commendation in this discourse, ascribe them to God, whom I serve and to whom alone I owe my existence. If you encounter any deficiencies or shortcomings, I kindly request that you attribute them to my inherent human shortcomings. Lastly, if you happen upon any improvements or insights that could enhance my work, I earnestly implore you to share them with me openly and candidly, free from personal biases. I genuinely beseech this of you, and I assure you that nothing holds greater value for me than the opportunity to learn from all, with due recognition of your contributions. Farewell, and may you favor my endeavors.
JOHN RHO
Provincial Superior of the Roman Province of the Society of Jesus
The following work, bearing the title "Prodromus Mundi Subterranei" and authored by Father Athanasius Kircher, a priest of our Society, has undergone examination and received approval from several theologians in the same Society. It has been judged as suitable for publication, with the authorization bestowed upon us by the Very Reverend Father N. Gosuvinio Nickel, the General Superior of the aforementioned Society. We hereby grant permission for its printing, contingent upon their judgment of its appropriateness. To fulfill this purpose, we issue these letters, personally signed by us and marked with the seal of our office.
Rome, August 2, 1657.
John Rho
Let it be printed:
If it seems fitting to the Most Reverend Father S.P. Ap. Mag.
M.A. Bishop of Veicesg.
Let it be printed:
Fr. Raymond Capistrucus of the Order of Preachers S.A.P. Master.