成人头条

It seemed inappropriate to introduce the Prodrome without providing my observations; Therefore, I deemed it fitting to attach this present synopsis, by which the subject of the Entire Subterranean World is presented to the curious reader; chiefly prompted by the fact that many have long been able to conceive from me what might exist in the recesses of the Subterranean Earth, deserving either the name of a World or capable of supplying arguments worthy of the name of a World; surely deluded by false and plebeian persuasion, those who, just as they believe that the earthly globe is no different from a mass of cheese compacted by chance conglobation, so far from persuading themselves that, besides certain crypts and mines near the surface of the earth, other inner chambers are constituted, rather firmly believe that everything is firmly established by immense solidity, not without a certain pertinacity of mind. Therefore, in order to remove such a palpable error from the ignorant, it seemed fitting to present to the curious Reader the whole series of our undertaking in this place; [229] from which it will clearly appear that no effects so insolent in this sensible World shine forth, which are not found according to a certain analogy in the innermost bowels of the earth; and so it will clearly appear that the genesis of all things derives its origin only from the Subterranean World. But with these premises stated, let us now suppose the series of things to be treated and the division of the work.

MUNDUS SUBTERRANEUS

Or

On the Interior and Exterior Structure and Fabric of the Terrestrial Sphere, which we call the Geocosm.

A WORK

Arranged in ten books.

Wherein:

The vast and divine totality of Nature is revealed in all its intricate complexity. Hidden causes of various effects are scrutinized with keen inquiry and illustrated through the harmonious union of Art and Nature. These are employed exclusively for the betterment of humanity, employing an array of experimental apparatus and a novel methodological approach.

BOOK I. CENTRAL DESIGN.

• PART I: On the Wondrous Nature of the Center and the Greatest Work of God, Illuminating towards the Heavens. [231]
• PART II: On the Cosmocentric Art and the New Instruments by which we are led to the Profound Secrets of Nature and the Knowledge of Natural Motions.

BOOK II. COSMOS.

• Wherein an extensive discourse is made on the Union of Heaven and Earth; on the Principles of Natural Things, on the Elements, on the Heavens, Stars, and their Specific Influences on the Terrestrial World, or Geocosm; and it is demonstrated in many various ways that all things that are perceptible to the senses have their origin from these, worthy of the name of the World.

BOOK III. EARTH OPERATIONS.

• Wherein the Admirable Structure of the Geocosm, its Shape, Magnitude, and the Varied Division of Places and Regions are discussed.
• On the Magnetic Framework of the Geocosm from Pole to Pole, wherein the Highest Mountains and their Various Altitudes are treated.
• On the Panspermia of the Terrestrial Globe, implanted within it: on the Veins, Arteries, and Cartilages of the Earth, arranged within it like a Microcosm.
• On the Enormous Receptacles of the Earth are shown to correspond to the Members of the Greater and Lesser World according to a Certain Analogy. [232]
• On the Innumerable Passages, Whirlpools, Chasms, and Subterranean Channels through which the Body of the Earth is penetrated.
• On Vulcanic Workshops, or Fire Receptacles.
• On Aeolian Workshops, or Air Receptacles.
• On Aquatic Workshops, or Abysses, or rather, the Water Receptacles, situated within the Depths of the Earth;
• On the Spiracles and Siphons of the Earth, in great number.
• On Mountains, Vast Plains, Seas, and Subterranean Islands.

BOOK IV. METEOROLOGY.

Wherein the focus is primarily on Subterranean Phenomena.

• On the Flux and Reflux of the Ocean, and the Purpose for which Nature has established it; also on the Variety and Change in Various Sea Regions. The Causes of each and every phenomenon. On the Marvelous Constitution of the Ocean Floor, and the Communication of all Seas.
• On the Fiery Impressions and Spirits enclosed within the Depths of the Earth. On Subterranean Vapors and Exhalations. On the Motions of the Earth and their Causes; On the Varied Intrinsic [233] Changes of Terrestrial Parts resulting from Earthquakes and Inundation. The Center of Gravity and the resulting Change of the Terrestrial Axis, which necessitates the change of the Face of the Heavens.
• On the Genesis of Winds and their Wondrous Variety; on their Exotic Properties. On the Diurnal, Monthly, Yearly, and Climacteric Winds, which are peculiar to certain places.
• On the Origin and Genesis of Springs and Rivers, the Causes of which are demonstrated in great detail through various experiments.
• On the Origin and Genesis of Thermal Springs, as well as the various Qualities and Causes of other Water Imbued Substances; it is shown that the diversity of all these things derives their origin from Subterranean Workshops.

BOOK V. SOLIDS AND METALS.

• The Nature, Properties, Generation, Purification, and Metallic Machinery of Minerals.
• On various Earths or Mineral Powders, such as Cimolia, Lemnia, Melitaea, and their powers.
• On Bones found within the Earth, including Spodium, Unicorn, Glossopetrae, Giant Bones, Fossil Wood, Coals, and their Causes. [234]
• On the Various and Innumerable Transformations of Substances into Stone, such as Animals, Fossils, Humans, Quadrupeds, Birds, Fish, Insects. Also on Flowers, Juices, Oils, Gums, Colors, and Poisons of the Earth.
• On Various Stones, Marbles, Striated Paintings, and their Causes; on Precious Stones and their Virtues, treated through various Syntagmas.

BOOK VI. PLANTS AND ANIMALS.

• The Origin, Nature, and Properties of Plants and Animals both within the Earth and on its External Surface.
• On Subterranean Plants; a historical discourse on Submarine Forests and Meadows.
• On Subterranean Animals; their Shape, Nature, Properties, Habitation, and the Purpose for which Nature has designed them.
• On The Marvelous Histories of Subterranean Humans.
• On Subterranean Demons, their Operations, Illusions, and Similar Matters. [235]

BOOK VII. CHEMISTRY

That is, APPLIED GEOCOSMOS

Wherein it is specifically treated how a Physiologist, by applying Passives to Actives, can bring about the marvelous productions of things according to the Example of Nature.

• Alchemy; its Mode of Operation, Possibilities, and, above all, on the Philosopher's Stone and what is to be understood about it, treated extensively.
• On the Marvelous Effects, Properties, and Sympathies of Minerals and Plants; The Dissolution and Composition of Metals, and other Special Modes of Operation in the Chemical Art; a singular doctrine is discussed.

BOOK VIII. MAGIC.

Wherein the Astonishing Works of Natural Magic, which can be exhibited in Chemical Works, are taught.

• First, The Arcane Megacosm, that is, how the Likeness of [236] the World can be exhibited in Glass through Chemical Art. [237]
• On the Mystery of Paligenesis, or the Resuscitation of Plants through Chemical Art, on the Phoenix, that is, the Resuscitation of Herbs from their own Ashes; on the Production of Metallic Plants; The Mercurial Machines; The Manufacture of Fictitious Precious Stones; on the Mode and Method of Producing Insects, and other varied matters are treated.

BOOK IX. MEDICINE:

Wherein the Marvelous and Secret Effects of Minerals and Plants in Medicine are discussed.

• Extensive discussion on Tinctures, Menstruums, Spirits, Quintessences, Extracts, and similar matters, based on thorough and practical experience.

BOOK X. MECHANICS.

• Wherein various arts are discussed, by which marvelous operations are accomplished in Geocosmus according to the Example of Nature.
• On the Distilling Tower, Furnace, and Singular or Plastic Apparatus.
• On burning Mirrors; Assaying of Metals.
• On the ironworks, Goldsmithing, Glassmaking, and other remarkable effects of arts that can be associated with them in any way, treated extensively.

All for the Honor of Eternal Wisdom and the Virgin Mother, and for the greatest benefit and delight of mankind.