Verbiest's Prints

In the exhibition we were able to present only a selection from Ferdinand Verbiest’s Xinzhi Yixiangtu. All 105 of the prints are available here. Click on a thumbnail for larger versions, or choose a group from the list of themes such as astronomy and mechanics.

Theme: Terrestrial [6]

Method for measuring the radius of the earth Method for measuring heights and distances on earth Illustration of travelers to show that they are guided by the directions indicated by a compass, with the parts of a compass shown Illustration of a portolan chart and the practice of sailing along rhumb lines, and the use of an astrolabe and cross-staff to measure latitude Methods for finding heights, distances, and locations on earth Measuring the height of a rainbow usng a quadrant (left), and the diameter of the solar corona and/or lunar halos using a astronomical ring (right)