Title: Oculus Enoch et Eliae, sive Radius Sideromysticus pars Prima
Date: 1645
Original Format: photograph: negative
Description: Anton Maria Schyrleus (1597-1660) was a Capuchin priest and professor, who worked in Bohemia, Trier and Ravenna. His astronomical work was completed in the low countries in the 1640s, and resulted in this rather unusual work -- a richly illustrated example of baroque natural philosophy. The Oculus might be considered a mystical work, reflecting the harmonies of an earth-centered, Tychonic cosmos in scriptural terms. The illustrations give a vivid impression of its combination of technical astronomy and mechanics with rich symbolism.
Collection: Rare Books
Caltech Archives ID: RB-AS1645-11
