Map of Subterranean Mineral Veins

This monochromatic engraving depicts a sprawling, enclosed cavernous system presented as a map of the earth's interior. A central main channel branches outward into smaller tributaries that connect to various hubs labeled with alphabetical identifiers and mineralogical terms, including Ferrum (iron), Aurum (gold), Argentum (silver), and Plumbum (lead). The surrounding topography is rendered as stylized, hatched mountain ranges and trees, suggesting the landscape above this hidden circulation system.

This illustration originates from Athanasius Kircher's 'Mundus subterraneus', a foundational work of early modern natural philosophy that proposed the earth operated like a living body with internal fires and flowing chemical conduits. It reflects the transition from alchemical transmutation theories to the nascent science of geology.