Dedication Appearing on Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1600.Fig. 90. Dedication Appearing on Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1600.
Fig. 90. Dedication Appearing on Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1600.
For astronomical study the celestial globe is none the less valuable and interesting than is the terrestrial for the study of geography. Its descriptive title reads: “Globus coelestis. In quo Stellae fixae omnes quae a N. viro Tycone Brahe sūma industria ac cura observatae sunt accuratissime designantur: nec non ea quae a peritis. nauclero Petro Theodori.Mateseos studioso annotatae sunt.” “Celestial globe, in which all of the fixed stars which were observed by the illustrious Tycho Brahe, with great care and industry, are most accurately shown for the scientific student: also those which were noted by the distinguished navigator Peter Theodorus.” The dedication differs somewhat from that on the terrestrial globe and reads: “Clarissimis Belgii luminibus sapientiae doctrinae et verae pietatis officinis Academiae Lugdunensis Batavorum et Francveriensis. Hos globos ad Mathematicas artes promovendas manu propria à se caelatas luculentissime dedicat consacratque Jodocus Hondius ann. 1600.” “To the most renowned lights of Belgium, fountains of wisdom, of doctrine and of true piety, of the Academy of Leiden and of Frankfurt these globes, for the promotion of the mathematical arts and constructed with his own hands, are dedicated and consecrated by Jodocus Hondius in the year 1600.” The several constellations are artistically represented in appropriate figures which include, in addition to those of Ptolemy, a considerable number in the southern hemisphere, for which, as the author states, he made use of the observations of the navigator Theodorus. That star in the constellation Cassiopeia, which so greatly interested Tycho Brahe, has a special but brief legend distinguishing it, reading “Stella mirabilis quae insolito prae aliis fulgore ao1572 p. an. et trientem apparuit.” “Remarkable star which appeared with brightness beyond all others in the year 1572 and for a year and one third.”
A second pair of Hondius’ globes of the year 1600 is reported as belonging to Count Rocco Giannini of Lucca. Fiorini says of them that they have mountings of bronze, resembling in this respect the pair described above, but he adds that they are without inscriptions of special note.8Either the information which he received concerning them was inaccurate or there exists a very marked difference between these pairs, the only ones it has been possible to locate.
In the year 1601 Hondius issued a pair of globes which were somewhat smaller than the preceding, each having a diameter of 21 cm. The inscription on the celestial globe, in which appears the date of construction, differs but little from that appearing on the issue of the year 1600; it reads: “Globus coelestis in quo fixae omnes quae a N. viro Thicone Brahe sum̄a cura observatae sunt, accuratissime designantur quibus adjuncta sunt circa Pol. Australe stel. quae a pertissimo nauclero Petro Theodori. annotatae sunt simul accomodatae ad annum 1600. editus vero 1601.” “Celestial globe in which all the fixed stars which were observed with the utmost care by the illustrious Tycho Brahe and accurately noted, to which are added the stars around the south pole which were observed by the skilful navigator Peter Theodorus. Adapted to the year 1600, but edited in the year 1601.” The general design of the figures of the several constellations agrees with that of the first edition, the chief difference lying merely in the matter of size.
On the terrestrial globe is the following dedication: “Serenissimis Principibus Alberto et Isabellae Cla. austriacis Brabantiae Ducibus. Jodo. Hondius. auctor et Joan Baptista Vriendt. Antuerpiae.” “To the Most Serene Rulers Albert and Isabella, the renowned Princes of Austrian Brabant, Jodocus Hondius author and John Baptist Veen (dedicate this globe). Antwerp.”
The author has added a rather lengthy address to the reader, in which is interesting reference to the difficult problem of determining the longitude of places.9“Hondius Lectori S. In locorum longitudine hactenus mirifice peccatum esse hydrographiae peritis satis constat: Regiones enim fere omnes descriptae sunt prout naucleri in suis navigationibus directionem duorum locorum ab uno loco ad alterum invenerunt, idque nulla habita ratione loci tertii, vel deviationis acus nauticae, vel etiam directorii nautici, quo indifferenter utuntur, quamvis in uno non aeque ac in alio chalyben ille acus ponatur, et a vero septentrione magis vel minusdivertatur, pro uso loci in quo directoria fabbricata sunt, unde necessario longitudo locorum distorta est. Multi hos errores frustra conati sunt emendare per polares stellas, alii per Lunae cursum, alii certius per eclipses. Verum hoc opus, ille labor. Quis enim in tanta locorum multitudine eclipses observabit? At cum jam tandem per variationem, aut deviationem acus nauticae, ut vocant, locorum, longitudo inveniatur, operae praetium me facturum putavi si in hoc globo regiones omnes (saltem quarum longitudo jam cognita est) suis quas q̄ veris longitudinis gradibus delineavero, quamvis id non exigui laboris fuerit. Longitudines incepimus non ab Insulis Fortunatis ut Ptolomeus, sed ab iis quae açores vocantur quod acus nautica ibi recta in septentrionem vergat. Vale. Anno 1601.” “Hondius to the reader greeting. In the matter of the longitude of places all hydrographers, it is agreed, have blundered marvelously, since nearly all regions have been described as navigators, in their voyages, found the direction from one to another, of any two places, without reckoning having been taken from a third place, or account having been taken of the variation of the nautical needle, or even of nautical direction, which they indefinitely make use of, although in one place the needle does not point exactly as in another, being deflected more or less from the true north according to the usage of the country in which the compass card employed was made, and thus the longitude of places is made to vary. Many have tried in vain to eliminate these errors by the polar stars. Others have tried to do the same by noting the course of the moon, and others again, with more certainty, by observations of eclipses; but all this is with much labor, and who will be able thus to get an accurate observation? But now since the longitude of places has been sought through the variation or deviation of the needle, as they say, I thought it would be a work of merit if I noted on this globe all the regions (at least all whose longitude is known) each with its own degree of longitude although knowing this would be no little labor.We have begun our reckoning of longitude not from the Fortunate Islands, as did Ptolemy, but from those which are called the Azores, because there the nautical needle points directly to the north. Farewell. In the year 1601.”
These globes of 1601 are composed of a hollow wooden shell, over which have been pasted the twelve engraved gores. They are mounted on well-constructed bases of copper from which rise the supports for the horizon circle, on the surface of which are the usual graduations, the calendar and zodiacal representations. The meridian circles are of brass, are graduated, and have in addition the engraved designations “Zona torrida,” “Zona temperata,” “Zona frigida.” An example of each of these globes of 1601 may be found in the Museo Municipale of Milan, and one of the celestial globes in the library of the Seminario Vescovile of Rimini.
In the year 1613, shortly after the death of Jodocus Hondius, there was issued in Amsterdam, by Adrian Veen10and Jodocus Hondius, Jr., a terrestrial and a celestial globe, each having a diameter of about 56 cm. The dedication of the first reads: “Illustrissimis, Nobilissimis, Amplissimis et Prudentissimis Federatarum Inferioris Germaniae Provinciarum Ordinibus ac Patribus Patriae Dominis Suis Clementissimis Dedicabant Jodocus Hondius Junior et Adrianus Veen. In the year 1613.” “To the Most Illustrious, Most Noble, Most Exalted, Most Prudent Lords of the Federated Provinces of the Netherlands, and Fathers of their Country, their Most Benign Masters, Jodocus Hondius Jr. and Adrian Veen dedicate (this globe).” The title of the terrestrial globe is given as “Globus terrestris summa cura ac diligentia a Jodoco Hondio piae memoriae inchoatus, globosis autem directorii nautici lineis ab Adriano Venone ad usum navigantium accomodatus, illiusque et Jodoci Hondii junioris ope et industria absolutus atque perfactus. Amsterodami 1613.” “Terrestrial globe begun with great care and diligence by Jodocus Hondius of pious memory, furnishedwith the lines of nautical direction (loxodromes) for the use of navigators, by Adrian Veen, and finished by the industry and labor of the same and of Jodocus Hondius, Jr. Amsterdam 1613.” It seems probable that the Jodocus Hondius here referred to was Henricus Hondius, who for reasons of business had taken the name of his father, affixing the word “Junior.”
The celestial globe to accompany the above terrestrial has the title, “Globus coelestis in quo stellae fixae omnes, quae a Nob. viro Tychone Brahe summa industria ac cura observatae sunt, accuratissima designantur, nec non circa polum austrum eae quae a Peritiss. nauclero Petro Theodorico et Friderico Houtmanno Mathessos studioso annotatae sunt.” “Celestial globe on which are accurately depicted all the fixed stars that were observed by the illustrious Tycho Brahe, with great industry and care: also those stars around the south pole which were noted for the scientific student by the skilful navigator Peter Theodorus, and by Frederick Houtmann.” Surmounting the cartouch containing the above title is a portrait of Tycho Brahe with the legend “Effigies Nob. viri Tychonis Brahe Dani Domini de Knudstrup. Summi Mathematici. Aetatis 47.” “Portrait of the illustrious Tycho Brahe, Danish Lord of Knudstrup, the great mathematician, in his 47th year.” The dedication of this globe differs somewhat from the former, reading, “Illustrissimis, Amplissimis, Clarissimisque D. D. Dominis Ordinibus Provinciarum Foederis Belgici, Don̄is suis Clementissimis in assiduae Gratitudinis memoriam, Dant Dedicantque Adrianus Veen et Jodocus Hondius Junior. Anno 1613.” “To the Illustrious, the Great, the Renowned Lords of the Provinces of United Belgium, their Most Benign Masters, as a token of constant gratitude, Adrian Veen and Jodocus Hondius Jr. give and dedicate (this globe). In the year 1613.” There is evidence that Hondius drew from the work of Willem Jansz. Blaeu for certain features of this edition, in which he followed a practice of the time. Frequent complaintis to be met with, that this borrowing was not always done with the proper note of credit. We find, for example, that in the year 1608 Blaeu presented a special plea to the States of Holland and West Friesland that he be made secure against the loss caused by pirated editions of his works. He informed the States that he had given himself hope of being able to support his family in an honest way, and that he would have succeeded with God’s mercy and blessing, if certain individuals engaged in the same business had not undertaken to copy his productions.11It seems probable that Blaeu’s complaint touched in some manner his large world map of the year 1605, since there is striking resemblance between this and the world map of Hondius issued in the year 1611, and, as noted above, we find that Jodocus Hondius’ son, signing himself Jodocus Hondius, Jr., continued to borrow from his distinguished contemporary’s work. The practice of borrowing, however, seems to have been later reversed, when Blaeu, undoubtedly noting the success of Hondius’ large globe of 1613, decided himself to produce one yet larger, as a result of which we have the splendid Blaeu globe of 1622.
A pair of this issue of the year 1613 may be found in the Biblioteca Barbarini of Rome, and another pair in the Biblioteca Civico of Treviso. An example of the celestial globe may be found in the Museo di Strumenti Antichi di Astronomia e di Fisica of Florence.
In the year 1615 we find that Josef de Rossi of Milan undertook, without giving proper credit, the publication of the Hondius globes of the year 1601.12In size there is agreement, but certain changes in dates are to be noted, as in the address to the reader, wherein we find 1615 instead of 1601, but in other respects there has been a literal transcription. In the celestial globe of 1601 we find the following reference to the recorded position of the fixed stars, “Accomodata ad annum 1600, editus vero 1601,” whereas in the Rossi copy we find “accomodatae ad annum 1614 editus vero 1615.”The dedication of this terrestrial globe of 1615 reads: “Illmoviro optimaraq̄ artium amatori et Fautori D. Paulo Mellino Romano. Josephus de Rubeis Mediolanensis devoti animi monumentum dat dicatque.” “To the Most Illustrious, the Lover and Promoter of the best arts D. Paulus Mellinus of Rome, Joseph de Rossi of Milan gives and dedicates this token of devoted friendship.” A copy of the terrestrial globe of 1615 may be found in the private library of the Italian artist, Lessi, of Florence, and a copy of the celestial globe belongs to Collegio Romano of Rome.
The Hispanic Society of America possesses a terrestrial globe signed Jodocus Hondius and dated 1618 (Fig.91). Jodocus the elder died in the year 1611, and while the map of this globe may be a reprint of one which he had engraved, it should be noted that it does not agree in all of its details with any other known globe of his, and may therefore be the work of the son. The sphere of papier-mâché has a diameter of 20 cm. and is supported on a base of wood which includes a horizon circle, having pasted on its surface the usual representations of zodiacal signs, the calendar, and the names of the principal winds or directions. This horizon circle rests upon four small turned legs joined at the bottom by cross bars, covering which bars is a circular turned disc 22 cm. in diameter, from the center of which rises a short post. Through a slot in this post passes a graduated meridian circle within which the globe ball revolves.
Terrestrial Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1618.Fig. 91. Terrestrial Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1618.
Fig. 91. Terrestrial Globe of Jodocus Hondius, 1618.
The map is slightly water-stained, but the American portion is particularly well preserved. A crack in the sphere along the meridian of 150 degrees east extends from pole to pole, and is rather a disfigurement than a serious injury to any part of the surface. The map is a remarkably fine example of the Dutch map engraver’s art. The lettering and the continental outlines were remarkably well cut in the copper plate used in the printing, and in many places the luster of the ink is still preserved. In the northern part of North America is the brief and interesting dedication “ClarissimisConsultissimique Nauticae Belgicaeque Federatarum Inferioris Germaniae Regionum Praefectis D. D. Jodocus Hondius.” “To the most illustrious and most prudent prefects and seamen of Belgium and of the region of lower Germany, Jodocus Hondius gives and dedicates (this globe).” In the “Terra Australis incognita” is the address to the reader which is practically identical with that to be found on the Hondius terrestrial globe of 1601, omitting, however, the word “Vale” and changing the date to “1618.” Near the entrance to Hudson’s Bay is a legend reading “Huc retrocesserunt Amstelodamensis anno 1612.”
From this bay an arm extends to the southwest which is referred to as “The bay where Hudson did winter,” and an arm extends to the southeast, which is referred to as “The Bay of Gosneres.” A few other brief legends are given, referring to an event or to events supposed to have taken place in the locality in which they are placed. Small but artistically engraved ships sail the Atlantic and the Pacific, and here and there a marine animal is represented. Loxodromic lines are made a conspicuous feature, having their crossing centers at longitudes 0, 90, 180, and 270 on the equator, likewise on the prime meridian at latitude 35 degrees both north and south, as well as at the same latitudes on the opposite side of the sphere, where the prime meridian becomes the meridian of 180 degrees. In addition to this example belonging to The Hispanic Society’s collection, one may be found in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of Nürnberg.13
Not until the year 1640 do we find the name Hondius again appearing on a dated globe. Attention has been called to the fact that Henricus, the son of Jodocus, continued, with more or less diligence, the work of map engraving and map printing, which the latter had carried on so successfully in Amsterdam until the time of his death. We are told that a partnership in the business, about the year 1639, was formed by Henricus Hondius with Johan Janssonius, hisbrother-in-law, and that this business, after the year 1644, passed entirely into the hands of the latter. It was in the year 1640 that the firm referred to undertook the reissue of the Hondius globes of earlier date. These had a diameter of about 52 cm. The gore maps, consisting of twelve parts, were made to extend to within twenty degrees of each pole, the polar space being covered with the usual polar cap.
The address to the reader, to be found on the terrestrial globe of the year 1613, is repeated on this of 1640,14but the dedication differs somewhat in the two, reading, on those of the 1640 issue, “Illustrissimis, Nobilissimis, Amplissimis et Prudentissimis Foederatarum Inferioris Germaniae provinciarum Ordinibus ac Patribus Patriae Dominis suis clementissimis dedicabat Henricus Hondius. Henricus Hondius excudebat An. 1640.” “To the Most Illustrious, Most Noble, Most Exalted and Prudent Lords of the United Netherlands, the Fathers of their Country, his Most Clement Master, Henricus Hondius dedicates (this globe). Constructed by Henricus Hondius in the year 1640.” There have been added a number of interesting legends, such as the following: “Inter S. Laurentii et los Romeros insulas vehemens admodum est versus ortum et occasum fluxus et refluxus maris.” “Between the islands of St. Lawrence and Los Romeros there is an exceedingly strong ebb and flow of the sea eastward and westward”; “Psitacorum regio sic a Lusitanis appellata ob eorum avium ibidem magnitudinem.” “The region of the parrots, and this is so called by the Portuguese because of the great number of these birds found here”;15“Promontorium terrae australis distans 450 leucas a capite Bonae Spei et 600 a S. Augustini.” “This promontory of the southern land is distant 450 leagues from the Cape of Good Hope, and 600 from Cape St. Augustine”; “Accolae Freti Magellanici septentrionem versus procerae, meridiem vero versus exiquae magnitidinis reperiuntur.” “The inhabitants of the Strait of Magellan toward the north are of large size, but toward the south they are ofsmall stature”; “Lybia inferior quae hodie Saara appellatur quae vox idem quod desertum significat.” “Lower Lybia is called today Sahara, which word means desert.” In the Hudson Bay region we find, “In sinu Maris Hudsons Bay vulgo dictus ubi M. Hudson hybernavit, ibidem maris aestus non ultra duos pedes accrescebat, quod et observabit D. Thomas Jacobus a. 1631 in sinu ‘James his Bay’ dicto et ubi mensuram duorum pedum non excedebat maris tumor.” “In the bend of the sea called Hudson’s Bay, where Hudson passed the winter, the tide of the sea did not rise more than two feet, which also was observed by Thomas James in the year 163116in the Bay called James his Bay where the rise of the sea likewise did not exceed two feet.” Near the last-quoted legend we find, “Thomas Button hibernans in portu Nelson ad altitudinem grad. 57 observavit singulis ex horis aestum maris accrescere 15 pedes aut ultra, qui flante Zephiro solito magis instar plenilunii intumescebat. Sequenti aestate animadvertit quoque ad altitudinem grad. 60 similes aestus maris qui nunc orientem versus nunc occidentem vergebant.” “Thomas Button,17who passed the winter in Port Nelson, at the high latitude of 57 degrees, observed hour by hour the tide of the sea to rise 15 feet or more, which tide, with the accustomed wind blowing, swelled very like a (spring) tide. Next summer he noticed at a latitude of 60 degrees similar ocean tides which now had an eastward flow and now a westward.” A legend has been added relating to the magnetic poles and to the difficulty of locating the same, reading “Duos in hoc loco Gerardus Mercator et alii eundem secuti posuerunt Polos magnetis, unum respectu insularum capitis viridis, alterum respectu insulae Corvi et Floridis: cum vero de his nihil certi sit, et quotidiana experientia nos aliter doceat de deviatione acus nauticae ambos omissimus.” “Gerard Mercator and others following him have placed two magnetic poles in this locality, one according to the direction indicated (by the compass needle) at the Cape Verde Islands, the other accordingto the direction indicated at the Islands of Corvus and Flores: but as nothing is known for a certainty concerning these, and a daily experience teaches us otherwise concerning the variation of the magnetic needle, we have omitted both poles.”18
The globes of this edition were supplied with the usual brass meridian circles, wooden horizon circles, on the surface of which was pasted the printed representation of the zodiacal signs, the names of the months, and of the principal winds or directions.
The celestial globe follows, in its records, more closely than does the terrestrial, the issue of 1613. The title legend, the reference to Tycho Brahe, and the reference to the star which appeared in the year 1572 in the constellation Cassiopeia, all agree with those in the earlier edition, as do, in the main, the representations of the figures of the several Ptolemaic constellations and those added in the southern hemisphere. The dedication reads, “Illustrissimis Nobilissimis Amplissimis Clarissimisque D. D. Dominis Ordinibus Provinciarum Foederis Belgici Dominis suis Clementissimis in assiduae gratitudinis memoriam dat, dicat dedicatque Illustriss. Amplit. Vest. devotus Henricus Hondius.” “To the Most Illustrious, Most Noble, Most Exalted, Most Renowned Lords of the United Provinces of Belgium, his Most Clement Masters, as a memorial of constant gratitude, gives and dedicates to Your Illustrious Highnesses (this globe). Henricus Hondius.”
A copy of each of these globes of 1640 may be found in the library of the Seminario Vescovile of Portogruaro, a copy of each in the Biblioteca Quiriniana of Brescia, and one of each, though undated, in the Museo Civico of Vicenza.
If the Van Langren family and the Hondius family brought renown to their country through the excellence of their work in the field of cartography, so likewise did the Blaeu family, father and sons. Perhaps to Willem Jansz.Blaeu (Fig.92) and his son, John, belongs first place in the long line of distinguished map and globe makers of the Netherlands.19
Portrait of Willem Jansz. Blaeu.Fig. 92. Portrait of Willem Jansz. Blaeu.
Fig. 92. Portrait of Willem Jansz. Blaeu.
A record which finds general acceptance tells us that Willem Blaeu was born in the village of Alkmaar in the year 1571.20Of his childhood years very little is known. It was some time in his early boyhood that he went to Amsterdam, where he found employment, it appears, at first in the house of a Holland merchant, and later as a joiner’s apprentice. We can be certain neither of the time when he decided to leave Amsterdam, nor of the exact circumstances which induced him to visit the island of Hveen, then belonging to Denmark, an event of much significance in his life. We, however, cannot be far wrong in asserting the promptings for this visit to have been his early liking for mathematical, geographical, and astronomical studies. It was here that he first came into intimate relations with Tycho Brahe, the famous Danish astronomer, who, in the year 1576, through princely favor, came into possession of this island, and, as before noted, had erected here his remarkably well-appointed astronomical observatory, which he called Uranienburg.21For nearly a quarter of a century this was one of the most famous centers in all Europe for the study of astronomical science and of its practical application. Blaeu, however, was not the first of the young Netherlanders to find the way to Uranienburg to receive instruction from the great master.22Of his sojourn on the island we have but little direct information. It appears certain that he passed at least two years with Tycho, engaged the while in study and in the construction of mathematical and astronomical instruments. That the relations between the two distinguished scientists continued to be of the most friendly character after Blaeu returned to Amsterdam is very certain. Not a few of those who in later years praised Blaeu’s scientific attainments refer to him as “the pupil and longtime friend of Brahe,” and Blaeu himself, in certain legendsappearing on his globes and maps, refers to him as his teacher. It cannot be doubted that Blaeu owed to his abode on the Island of Hveen the real foundation of his scientific knowledge, both in the field of geography and astronomy, as well as his knowledge of the construction and the skilful use of mathematical instruments. We have reason for believing that a number of the instruments which served the great astronomer in his investigations23were the work of Blaeu, and it is an interesting fact, as we know, that Brahe’s observations, here made, formed the basis for Kepler’s calculations, leading him to the discovery of the laws which immortalized his name.24
It was perhaps late in the year 1596 or early in the year 1597 that Blaeu returned to Amsterdam, where he soon established himself as a maker of mathematical instruments, of maps and of globes, and as an engraver and printer. There is good reason for thinking that from the first he prospered in his undertakings, and, from incidental references to his activities, it may be inferred that it was not long after 1600 he was in his own fully equipped house. From his presses numerous works were issued, the many examples of which, still adorning the shelves of most prominent libraries, are a monument to his great abilities.
On his ‘Paescarte,’ one of his earliest publications,25and usually referred to the year 1606, we read that it was “Ghedruckt t’ Amsterdam bij Willem Janssoon op’t Waeter inde Sonnewijser,” a location often referred to in certain later publications as “op’ t water In de vergulde Sonnewyser,” reference here being to the gilded sundial which, as a business sign, adorned the gable of his establishment. It appears that in this originally selected locality his work was carried on until the year 1637, when his entire plant was moved into more commodious quarters in the Blumengracht, one year only before his death. The sons, John and Cornelius, succeeded to the business, and to the former especially belongs the credit of issuing the most sumptuous atlasin that period of remarkable map making.26In the year 1672 practically the entire establishment was destroyed by fire.
Willem Blaeu’s training admirably fitted him to serve his country in matters pertaining to its maritime interests, and its calls as well as its rewards for service were not infrequent. As proof of the confidence that his contemporaries had in his knowledge of geography and navigation, the Estates General of Amsterdam, January 3, 1633, by resolution, appointed him Map Maker of the Republic, an honorable position held by him until his death, then being successively passed on to his son and to his grandson.27
We are told that Tycho had given to Blaeu a copy of his astronomical observations before their publication, that this copy was carried to Amsterdam, and that after a careful study of the records contained therein the latter began the practice of globe making.28The implication contained in this reference is that his first work as a globe maker was the preparation of material for a celestial globe, but no such globe of his, bearing date earlier than 1602, is known. His first dated work appears to have been a terrestrial globe of the year 1599. In many of its features it gives evidence that Mercator was the master followed, notably in the representation of the loxodromic lines which radiate from the numerous wind or compass roses, or from centers regularly placed on the surface of the globe.
This first issue has a diameter of 34 cm., which is less than that of Mercator’s globe of the year 1541, but greater than that of the Van Langren globe of the year 1585.29The gores, twelve in number, were cut seven degrees from the poles, the polar space being covered with a circular disc. Blaeu, as many other globe makers of his period, found that by thus dividing the engraved globe map a more nearly perfect covering for the sphere could be obtained. Meridians and parallels are drawn at intervals of ten degrees, the prime meridian passing through the island of Santa Maria in the Azores group. In a conspicuously placed cartouch he presentshis address to the reader. “Spectatori meo S. Hanc terrae marisque faciem qui aspicis sic inspice ne dispicias: multa hic mutata, (sed nihil temere) quae, nisi attendas, facile fugiant. Ratio constructionis in multis nova, sed proba. Gibbum plano, planum globo commutavimus: duplicato labori: sed certiori: idque ut ventorum spirae justis per orbem trrarum gyris discurrerent: hinc factum ut in omnibus terrae oris praeter parallelorum et meridianorum etiam plagae ratio nobis fuerit habenda. Quae quidem omnia attento spectatori facile apparebunt. Vale et fruere. Guilielmus Jansonius Alcmariensis auctor et sculptor. 1599.” “Greeting to my observer. This representation of the earth and sea, which thou beholdest, be pleased to take note of in this manner. Many things here have been changed, but nothing without reason, and unless thou art attentive these things might easily escape thee. The method of construction is in many points new, but correct. We have changed that which is relief into the flat, and the flat into the globular, a double labor but more nearly correct, and we did this that the directions of the winds throughout the world might be given their proper (loxodromic) spirals: and we have made a representation of the coast lines of all shores of the earth, besides a representation of the parallels and meridians. All this will be seen by the attentive observer. Farewell, and may you be happy. William Jansz. Alcmar, author and sculptor. 1599.” Fiorini is of the opinion the expression “multa hic mutata” in the above quoted inscription indicates that the copies in which it is found are reprints of an earlier edition, and that it has been inserted for the purpose of keeping the globe on sale.Is not the reference rather to this simple fact that Blaeu borrowed much of his geographical information from others, as he admits, including Mercator and Van Langren, and that he had merely altered the same to the end of bringing his records to date? The dedication reads “Noblissimis, Amplissimis, Clarissimis, D. D. Dominis Ordinibus Foederatarum InferiorisGermaniae Provinciarum dignissimis fidis Patriae Patribus hoc terrae marisque Theatrum L. M. Q. Dat, Dicat, Dedicat Cliens Vester subjectis. Guilielmus Jansonius Alcmarianus.” “To the Most Noble, Most Distinguished, Most Illustrious, Lords of the United Provinces of Lower Germany, Fathers of their Country this representation of the land and the sea gives, grants, and delivers your humble client Willem Jansz. Alcmar.” It will be noted that the family name Blaeu was not employed in the signature, but instead Alcmar, the name of his native place. He apparently did not consider it essential always to employ the same name. Sometimes he gave this as Guilielmus Jansonius Blaeu, Guil. Jansz. Blaeu, Guiljelmus Blaeuw; sometimes he gave it as Guilielmus Janssonius Alcmarianus, or Guil. Jansz. Alcmar; sometimes as Guiljelmus Caesius or J. G. Caesius, in which he had classicized his name Blaeu; sometimes the name is coupled with that of the son as Guil. et Johan Blaeu. The legends on this globe are numerous which tell of great discoveries and explorations, of which the principal ones are here quoted from Baudet’s readings from the Leiden copy. Near the north pole we find “Hic tandem passi graviora Batavi, proxima tempestate diversum iam iter ingressi, nostrum altius mundi verticem versus progressi, ignotas quaerere terras, et si qua proprior ad Chinam aditus aggressi sunt. Mirum quid invenerint! immane quid evenerit! Sic, macte Proles Neptunia novisque honoribus hanc gentem nostram cumula, male coepisti, si hic sistas. Durum hoc, sed perdura, nec cede malis sed contra audentior ito. Fata viam expedient.” “As far as this, after suffering great hardships, the Dutch, in recent times have progressed toward the top of the world, seeking unknown lands, and if there is any shorter way to China. Wonderful are their discoveries! Strange things have happened! Go on, O blessed progeny of Neptune, and add new honors to our race. You have begun ill if you stop here. It is a hard task, but endure. Do not yield to misfortune, buton the contrary be more daring. Fate will clear the way.”
In the same locality “Immortale nomen & gloriam incomparabilem vobis, Columbe et Americe comparastis, Qui primi has terras (alteram orbis partem) tot iam secula latentes adire, detegere, lustrare et utinam perlustrare voluistis: Fructsvero maximos multis perperistis.” “Ye have gained an immortal name, and incomparable glory for yourselves, Columbus and Americus, who were the first to approach these lands to discover and disclose them (the other part of the world) unknown for so many centuries, and I would that you had desired to explore them. You have brought forth much fruit for the many.” Another reads, “Magnam porro gloriae partem Ferdinande Magellane, iure tibi vendicas: cui ... vastae regionis Australem terminum quaerere eamq. freto cognimini nobis perviam facere lubuit & licuit.” “A large share of the glory thou doest rightly claim, O Ferdinand Magellan, to whom it was pleasing and to whom it was allowed to seek the southern bounds of a vast region, and to open the Strait for us that bears thy name”; also a legend referring to the Cortereals, “Utinam vero par eventus Casparo Cortereali contigisset, qui iam ante maiori conatu quam successu transitum a Borea attentaverat: et quoties Britannis idem fervide molientibus et aeris iniutiis gradum revocare coactis.” “I wish that like success had come to Gaspar Cortereal, who before, with greater effort than achievement attempted to find a passage by way of the north. Likewise to the British (I wish success) strenuously attempting the same but forced to retreat by reason of adverse weather.”
As in the issue of his sheet maps, Blaeu was not always careful to add an exact date of preparation, in the majority of instances, indeed, omitting the date altogether, so also in the issue of his globes he frequently omitted dates or gave one which we know to have been later than was that of the original issue. His geographical records serve us, however, as fairly accurate guides in the determination ofthese dates, and what was so frequently true of the globes he constructed in the last years of his life was true of this his first. We have, for example, copies of this bearing date 1599, which contains geographical records of the year 1616, indicating therefore a later reprint with a few alterations.
It was not until the year 1603 that he undertook the preparation of a celestial globe to serve as a companion of his first terrestrial. This he dedicated, “IllustrissoPrincipi ac Domiōauritio, Principi Auraico Comiti de Naussau etc., Marchioni Veriae et Flissingae etc., Domino suo Clementissimo, Hos astriferum, stellarum arte coelo deductarum, coelum Gratus M.O.D.D.C.Q. Guilielmus Jansonius Alcmarianus.” “To the Illustrious Prince and Lord D. Maurice, Prince of Orange, Count of Nassau, etc., Marquis of Veria and Flissingen, etc., his Most Benign Lord, this globe of the stars brought down from heaven by art is gratefully dedicated by its maker with dutiful mind. Willem Jansz. Alcmar.” In his title legend he makes particular reference to his teacher Tycho, which legend reads: “Sphaera stellifera. In qua ut speculo quondam firmamenti Universaum Syderū ornatum ac stellarum ordinem summa, qua fieri potuit, industria a Guilielmo Jansonio, magni Tychonis quondam discipulo, accuratissime disposititum: earumque numerum multo quam hactenus, auctiorem ex observationibus recens. a Nob. viro D. Tychone Brahe, astronomo incōparabili, habitis, depromta anno 1600, et quo deinceps seculo, accommodata intueri liceat.” “Celestial sphere. Herein as in a mirror all the stars of the firmament are depicted, and in proper order with the greatest possible industry and accuracy by Willem Janson the former pupil of the great Tycho: their number much increased from recent observations made by the noble D. Tycho Brahe, that incomparable astronomer, taken from his observations made in the year 1600, and made with an accommodation for the coming century.” Near this cartouch is a portrait of the great astronomer with his favorite motto, “Non haberi, sedesse.” Near the south pole we find a reference to recent astronomical discoveries in the following words: “Habetis hic, Astronomum studiosi, trecentas et plures antarctici mundi vertici viciniores stellas, ex observationibus secundum jam a Frederico Houtmanno, majori studio et accommodatioribus instrumentis, ad stellas a Tychone positas factis, depromptas: auctiori numero et accuratiori dispositione vestro commodo et delectationi depictas A. 1603.” “Thou hast here, O student of astronomy, more than three hundred stars, that are nearest the pole of the antarctic world, from the observations made by Frederick Houtmann with further study and with more suitable instruments, along with the stars that were located by Tycho: this increased number and this more accurate location having been set down for your use and delight in the year 1603.” He adds here and there a brief legend in which he directs attention to recently discovered stars.
The purchase of a pair of these globes, that of 1599 and of 1603, was reported in the year 1885 by Dr. Baumgärtner,31who refers to them as having a diameter of 34 cm., as being well mounted and artistically colored. On the first, he notes, are represented sea monsters swimming in the oceans, and the natives of many of the little known regions appear in picture, as, for example, in the region of Patagonia, near which appears the legend, “Patagonae regio ubi incolae sunt gigantes.” “The region of Patagonia where giants live.” Greenland is laid down as a small island, as is also Corea. The region of Bering Sea shows clearly how inexact was the knowledge of the North Pacific in his day, and the same inexact geographic knowledge of the southernmost region of South America and of Australia is strikingly recorded. There are slight differences apparently existing between Dr. Baumgärtner’s globes and certain other known copies of the same date, but differences which are of no special significance.
A pair of these globes was announced in the sales catalogue,“Geographie cartographie & voyage, 1891,” of Frederik Muller of Amsterdam. A geographical record on the terrestrial globe clearly indicates that it was not issued, however, until after 1616, although dated 1599, since it contains a reference to the Van Schouten voyage of 1615-1617. It was on this voyage, says Van Schouten in his ‘Journal,’ that he gave the name “Staten Lant” to that region on the left as one enters the Lemaire Strait, and the name “Isle of Barnevelt” to the island discovered in this strait.32Both of these names appear on this globe. It has in addition an interesting legend which might be taken to suggest that the globe was not constructed until the year 1682, although the gores, save for this legend, may have been printed much earlier. This legend reads, “’t Amsteldam by Joannes van Ceulen, Joanniszoon op de hoek van de Mol-steegh, in de Nieuwen Atlas, werd gedruckt en op nieu uytgegeven met Praevilegie ... alle de Globes en Spaeren by den Heer Joan Blaeu Zal. nagelaten. Ao. 1682.” The celestial globe seems to agree with other known copies.
Two copies of the terrestrial globe of 1599 and two of the celestial of 1603 may be found in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of Nürnberg. A pair may be found in the Biblioteca Angelica of Rome and a pair, reported to be in good condition, belongs to the Biblioteca Comunale of Fano. Adam Kästner reports, in his ‘Geschichte der Mathematik,’ the purchase of a pair of this first edition of Blaeu’s globes.33According to a catalogue entry of objects belonging to the University of Leiden in the year 1716 there is reference to two pairs of Blaeu’s globes. Only one pair of these, however, seems now to be known, which pair a few years since was removed to the Astronomical Observatory.34
In the year 1602 Blaeu issued a terrestrial and a celestial globe, each having a diameter of 23 cm. In a legend on his terrestrial globe he refers to it as an improvement, doubtless meaning that he had undertaken to bring its geographical records to date. This globe he dedicates as follows:“NoblisisIllustrisHollandiae Zelandiae ac Westphrisiae ordinibus, P.P.P. Clementissishanc terrae marisque aphaerum summa diligentia accuratissime fabricatam: debiti honoris gratique animi testimonium L.M.D.D.D. Amstelodami. Guilielmus Jansonius Blaeu. anno 1602.” “To the Most Noble, Most Illustrious Princes of Holland, Zeeland and West Friesland, Most Benign Rulers. This sphere of the earth and sea, accurately constructed with the utmost care is dedicated by Willem Jansz. Blaeu of Amsterdam as a testimony of honor due and of a grateful mind. In the year 1602.” Over this legend have been placed the coats of arms of the three provinces designated and near it a legend reading, “En denuo studiose Geographiae, terrestrem contractioriforma globum, multo, quam ante hac unquam, emendatius et auctius confectum: a ventorum spiris navigantium comodo, exquisitius adornatum: nec non navigationis curriculo, ab Oliverio van Noort Batavo in orbem peracto, notatum. Auctor Guilielmo Iansonio Blaeu.” “Here again, O student of geography, thou hast a terrestrial globe in smaller size, much smaller than ever before, and more accurately and completely furnished, having the spiral directions of the winds (the loxodromes) represented for the use of navigators. These have been carefully drawn, and there is also indicated the course of circumnavigation of the Dutchman Oliver van der Noort.35Willem Jansz. Blaeu author.” Van der Noort, to whom reference is made in this legend, had started out in the year 1598, hence his expedition was a recent event and was therefore thought worthy of reference. He sailed through the Strait of Magellan, reached the Indies of the East, and with four of his original ships returned to Holland in the year 1601. Blaeu, as he states, marked on his globe the course of this expedition. The celestial globe constructed as a companion of the former has a similar dedication reading, “NobilisisIllustisHollandiae Zelandiae Westphrisiae Ordinibus D. D. suis Clementisishunc astriferum inerrantium stellarum globum, summa cura et industriaadornatum debiti ossequii et gratitudinis ... D. D. D. Guilielmus Jansonius Blaeu.” “To the Most Noble, and Illustrious Princes of Holland, Zeeland, and West Friesland, Most Benign Rulers: this celestial globe of the fixed stars, prepared with the greatest care and industry is dedicated as a gift of obedience due and of gratitude. William Jansz. Blaeu.” A legend somewhat descriptive in character near the former reads, “Habes hic Astrophile stellarum inerantium ex certisisD. Ticho Brahe (mei quondam praeceptoris) observationibus numero et dispositione prae aliis an̄o 1600 accomodatarum sphaeram accuratissime expolitam et Australibus asterismis quod novum a Federico Houtmano observatis exornatam. Auctor Guilielmo JansoBlaeu.” “Thou hast here, O lover of the stars, a globe of the fixed stars from the most accurate observations of D. Tycho Brahe (my onetime preceptor) in their number and disposition, besides other observations accommodated to the year 1600, finished and furnished with (a representation) of the southern stars which have of late been discovered by Frederick Houtmann. Willem Jansz. Blaeu author.” Stars varying in magnitude from the first to the sixth, receive each an appropriate representation or sign, and there is a separate distinguishing mark for the nebulae. To each of the constellations is given its Latin name. In addition to the forty-eight constellations of Ptolemy he gives the two sometimes referred to by the ancients, “Bernice’s Hair” and “Antinous,” adding, with names, more than ten constellations in the southern sky. A legend in the constellation “Cepheus” tells us, with reference to one of its stars, “Haec stupendae magnitudinis stella insolito fulgore anno 1572 in Cassiopeia sede amicuit.” “This star of great size and unwonted brilliancy appeared in the Chair of Cassiopeia.” In the constellation “Cygnus” is a legend reading “Novam illam stellam quae anno 1600 primum in pectore Cygni apparuit (atque etiam nunc immota parte) ex diligenti nostra ad eandem Lyrae lucidae observatione Longitudo 16° 15´, latitudo55° 30´ labore comperimus.” “The new star which in the year 1600 first appeared in the breast of the Swan and to the present has not altogether disappeared, this we have located, by diligent search in Lyra long. 16° 15´ and lat. 55° 30´.”
By reason of the fact that so few copies of this issue are known to exist, it has been thought that for some reason Blaeu issued a very limited number. We know, however, that his terrestrial globes were highly valued and were much in demand, because of the care with which they had been prepared, because of the efforts to give information concerning the latest discoveries, and because of his representation of the loxodromic lines which made them of special value to navigators; that his celestial globes found favor by reason of the fact that he was known to be a pupil of Tycho Brahe, and that he himself was known to be a mathematician and astronomer of distinction. To the following known examples of the 1602 issue brief reference may be made. In the Accademia dei Concordi of Rovigo, Italy, there may be found a fine pair. The Stadtbibliothek of Nürnberg possesses a fine pair, reported by the librarian to be in excellent condition, and two copies of the celestial globe may be found in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of the same city. A copy of the terrestrial globe is to be found in the collection of the Königliches Museum of Cassel, and one in the town of Rüdingen near Schaffhausen.
The Hispanic Society of America possesses, in its rich collection of globes, a fine example of Blaeu’s terrestrial of the year 1606 (Fig.93). It has a diameter of 13.5 cm., is mounted on a substantial wooden base, has a graduated meridian circle, half of which, however, is missing, a wooden horizon circle, on the upper surface of which is pasted an engraved slip of paper with the usual graduation, the calendar, and the names of the zodiacal signs. A legend in the great austral land which is called “Magallanica,” contains the date and refers to its dedication to Blaeu’s learned friend of Edam, Cornelius Petrius. This legend reads“Omnium virtutū genere ornatissimo viro Domino Cornelio Petreio ecclesiastae apud Edamenses vigilantiss. et mathematico eximio suo singulari hanc orbis sphaerae a se hoc modo delineatae L. M. Q. D. D. Guilielmus Blaeu. Anno D. 1606.” “To Dom. Cornelius Petrius, a man adorned with all virtue, a most vigilant ecclesiastic among the people of Edam and a mathematician of singular renown, Willem Blaeu dedicates this terrestrial globe now completed by him in the year 1606.” In the northern part of North America is the title legend reading “Nova et accurata terrae marisque sphaera denuo recognita et correcta a Guilielmo Blaeu.” “A new and accurate sphere of the earth and sea newly revised and corrected by Willem Blaeu.” The globe ball is of hollow metal thinly covered with a preparation of plaster on which have been pasted the twelve engraved gores extending from pole to pole. As in the case of the Muller copy of the issue of 1599 this one, though dated 1606, contains a record of the discoveries of the Van Schouten expedition, that is, the names “Staten Lant,” “I. Barnevelt,” and “Fr. le Maire,” discoveries made in the year 1616, as before mentioned.36The magnitude of the austral land is made to equal or to exceed that of the entire Old World, the most northern extension of which, in the East Indian region, bears the name “Nova Guinea.”37Its geographical information in general agrees with that so carefully recorded on the Blaeu maps. In the western and southern sections of North America the source of information has been largely Spanish, in the eastern the source has been French and English, and in the northeast almost entirely English. In the north Atlantic we still find “Brazil,” “Maides,” and “Frisland,” the mythical islands of the Zeno Brothers, and north of Europe a record of the attempts of the Netherlanders to reach “Nowaja Semlja.” For so small a globe the detailed geographical information given is very remarkable.