Udías A. Athanasius Kircher, the Mysteries of the Geocosmos, Magnetism, and the Universe

Basel: Birkhäuser, 2024. — 155 p.Athanasius Kircher, the eminent 17th-century German Jesuit professor of mathematics at the Roman College emerges as a captivating figure within the pages of this monograph by Agustín Udías. Aptly deemed 'the man who knew everything,' Kircher's thirty-two comprehensive works, spanning an array of subjects, provide a unique lens into his visionary perspectives. This book delves into three selected works where Kircher unveils his conceptualization of the Earth, termed the 'Geocosmos,' treated magnetism as a cosmic and spiritual force, and embarks on a cosmic exploration from Earth to the stars. From his groundbreaking speculations on the Earth's interior, attributing earthquakes and volcanoes to intricate channels of air, water, and fire, to his cosmic journey accompanied by the ethereal spirit Cosmiel, Kircher's enduring allure persists. Despite variance from contemporary knowledge, situated at the beginning of modern science, Kircher's proposals of the structure of the Earth’s interior, cosmic magnetic theories, and space journey to the stars offer a compelling glimpse into the intellectual landscape of a bygone era, making this book an essential exploration for scholars seeking a nuanced understanding of Kircher's profound influence.Preface
Introduction
Athanasius Kircher’s Life and Works
The Museum and Correspondence
The Books
The Geocosmos and the Interior of the Earth
Short Index of the 12 Books
Preface: Earthquakes and Volcanoes
The Earth Center of the Universe
The Interior of the Earth
The Oceans and Seas
The Subterranean Fire, Water, and Air
Fountains, Rivers, and Lakes
The Terrestrial Element
Nature of the Geocosmos
Fossils, Subterranean Animals, Men, and Demons
Poisons in the Subterranean World
Metals and Mines
Chemical Transformations: Alchemy
“Panspermia,” the Origin of Plants and Animals
Chemical Work
Magnetism and the Cosmic Magnetic Chain
Early Work on Magnetism and the Earth’s Magnetic Field
Kircher and Magnetism
Nature and Properties of Magnets
Magnetic Declination
Observations of Magnetic Declination
The Magnetic Map
Causes of Magnetic Declination
Magnetism as a Cosmic and Spiritual Force
A Space Journey and the Vision of the Universe
Introduction
Preambles by Schott and Kircher
Preamble by Schott
Preamble by Kircher
Dialog I
Journeys to Moon, Venus, Mercury, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and the Firmament
The Moon
Venus
Mercury
The Sun
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
The Firmament
Dialog II
God’s Providence in the Work of the World
Ecstatic Journey II
Dialog I
The Water Element and the Universal Principle of Things
Dialog II
The Admirable Arcane of the Geocosmos or Terrestrial World
Dialog III
Ecstatic Journey to the Subterranean World
Conclusion
Appendix A: Books on Athanasius Kircher Published from 2000 to 2022
Appendix B: Table of Contents of Mundus subterraneus
Appendix C: Table of Contents of Magnes sive de Arte Magnetica
Appendix D: Table of Contents of Iter exstaticum coelestem
Kircher’s Works Mentioned
Chronological Order
Bibliography
Index