Size of the Earth
In addition to its shape and location in the
universe, the dimensions of the Earth were of interest. Cosmographia
contains a single hemispheric map showing the Eastern Hemisphere.
Equatorial and meridianal diameters are given in German and Italian
miles, respectively. The circumference is also given in both
units. This hemispheric map shows a hypothetical antarctic continent,
whose existence was based on the argument that global land masses
were balanced. The actual Antarctic continent would not be discovered
until the 19th century, although Captain James Cook's voyages
(1772-1775) put an end to the idea of a "Great South Land". |