An Ecstatic Journey of the Worlds Creation (1656)
updated 11/2024
Dedication
- To the Most Serene Christina Alexandra, Queen of the Swedes, Goths, and Vandals, by Athanasius Kircher of the Society of Jesus offers prayers for abundant celestial happiness.
Publication Approval
For the Student of Celestial Philosophy. To the Reader.
Exhortation
Between the Interlocutors Cosmiel and Theodidactus
Chapter I.
- The cause and origin of the Good Works
Chapter II.
- Part I. The Ecstatic Journey to the Moon
- Part II. Regarding the sights seen onthe opposite side and the face of the Moon toward the Sun
Chapter II.
- Journey from the Moon to the globe of Venus
Chapter III.
- Journey from the globe of Venus to the globe of Mercury
Chapter IV.
- Part I. Journey from the planet Mercury to the Sun, and on the remarkable orbit of the Sun
Chapter V.
- Part II. On spots, facula, shadows; and the wonderous formation portending in the Sun
- Part III. The genesis, motion, and dissolution of comets, both Solar and Others
Chapter VI.
-
A Journey to the globe of Mars and its wondrous structure.
Chapter VII.
- Journey to the globe of Jupiter and the admiration of its presence in the work of Nature
Chapter VIII.
- Journey to the Globe of Saturn
Chapter IX.
- Journey into the Firmament or the stellar Region of Fixed Stars
On the Providence of God in the Illumination of the Work of the World.
- Dialog between the Interlocutors Cosmiel and Theodidactus
Chapter I.
- The Creation of the World
Chapter II.
- Ths size of the World.
Chapter III.
- The order of the spheres, the marvelous arrangement of the world, and the centers of things
Chapter IV.
- The differences among worldy bodies, both in relation to one another and in comparis to the Earth, wherein the wondrous plan of divine providence shines forth
Chapter V.
- The incomprehensible motion of the stars revolving around the Earth with incredible velocity
Chapter VI.
-
The sublime harmony of this sensible world, and the analogy with the rational, political, intellectual, and Archetypal world, and how each influences the others.
Chapter VII.
- The waters above the heavens; Whether they are properly and truly waters, and their nature
Chapter VIII.
- The Empyrean Heavan
Chapter IX.
- Imaginary space
Chapter X.
- The consummation and restoration of the entire sensible world
Chapter XI.
- The purpose for which God created the World, the Incarnation of Christ, the Church, and the Faith through which God desired to save humanity
Chapter XII.
-
Why so few attain eternal salvation when God created such a great purpose for humanity; and concerning the hidden judgments of God.
EPILOGUE and CONCLUSION
The hypotheses of the World, as explained in this Work, are supported by the authority of the following distinguished writers.
Celestial observations conducted by various authorities that we have followed over the course of approximately 40 years.
An Ecstatic Journey II Which is the Precursor of the Subterranean World. (1657)
updated 11/2024
Dedication.
- To the Most Serene, the Most Powerful and Invincible Leopold Ignatius, King of Hungary and Bohemia, etc. Presented by Athanasius Kircher of the Society of Jesus.
Preface to the Reader
- Part I. The purpose of the Ecstatic Journey
- Part II. The purpose and structure of this work.
Publication Approval
The element of water and universal principle of things. With the Interlocutors Hydriel and Theodidactus.
Chapter I.
-
The Nature, necessity, and utility of the element Water.
The Wonders of the Geocosmos, or the Mysteries of the Terrestrial World. Interlocutors: Cosmiel and Theodidactus.
Chapter I.
- The external appearance of the Geocosmos
Chapter II.
-
Various doubts are resolved concerning the external constitution of Geocosmos.
Chapter III.
- How plants and animals live and originate from the innermost concealed spermatic elements of nature
Chapter IV.
-
How the universal seed of the World contributes to the composition of mixtures. And first, regarding the origin, nature, and powers of plants.
Chapter V.
-
The origin and powers of sensitive nature.
- Genesis of birds
- Genesis of aquatic creatures
- Genesis of insects
An ecstatic journey into the Subterranean World between the interlocutors Cosmiel and Theodidactus.
Chapter I.
- The external and internal structure of the sea is explored, and the multitude and variety of animals in it are described
Chapter II.
-
The sea floor is explored, as well as the connection between the seas and the Ocean.
Chapter III.
- The secrets of the Subterranean World are explored
Chapter IV.
-
Introduction to the Fiery Chambers of the Subterranean World.
Chapter V.
- The Final Chapter. Ascetic Epilogue. The various means of attaining eternal bliss.
Those matters extensively discussed in the work "The Subterranean World" in ten books.
Mundus Subterraneus or on the Interior and Exterior Structure and Fabric of the Terrestrial Sphere, which we call the Geocosm. A workd 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
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 the World can be exhibited in Glass through Chemical Art.
- 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.