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Wikimedia Commons · Public domain · Hover to magnify, click for fullscreen
Original fileThe image depicts a tapered acoustic instrument with a distinct spiral or 'snail-shell' torsion along its body. Labeled with 'A' at the narrow mouthpiece and 'B' at the wide bell, the design was intended to demonstrate how geometric forms could amplify and transmit the human voice.
Athanasius Kircher was a pioneer in the study of acoustics, which he viewed as a branch of 'natural magic'—the application of scientific principles to create wondrous effects. This device reflects his broader philosophical goal of understanding the hidden harmonies of the world through the physical properties of sound and light.
Ein Schnecken-Sprach-Rohr. A B
Translation
A snail-speaking-tube. A B
Athanasius Kircher, Phonurgia Nova
This work is a primary source for Kircher's inventions and theories regarding acoustics and sound amplification.
Object
Engraving
scientific
Digital Source
Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Deutsche Fotothek
Public domain
800 × 318 px
8a0c853f476ba285da06d10b434c390ece4f5133
April 10, 2009
March 24, 2026
Linked Data
AI AI-cataloged fields generated by gemini-3-flash-preview on April 1, 2026. Getty identifiers are AI-inferred and may require verification.