Wikimedia Commons · Public domain · Hover to magnify, click for fullscreen
Original fileTrommelrohr", "Schlangenrohr
"Trommelrohr", "Schlangenrohr"
About This Work
The engraving displays two devices designed for the amplification and transmission of sound. The upper instrument is a long, straight horn with a drum-like membrane at the mouthpiece intended to increase volume, while the lower instrument is a curved, snake-like tube called a 'serpent.' The surrounding German text describes the physical dimensions and acoustic properties of these inventions, which were part of early modern experiments in the physics of sound.
Athanasius Kircher was a central figure in 17th-century natural philosophy, viewing acoustics as a branch of 'universal music' that reflected the mathematical harmony of the created world. These diagrams represent his efforts to codify the laws of sound (phonurgia) alongside his studies in light, magnetism, and ancient wisdom.
Inscriptions(Dutch)
Von Verfertigung mancherley Thon- und Stimm-gezeug. 10. Hand §. III. Von dem Schlangen-förmigen Rohr. Schlangen-Rohr. Cap. VIII. Von Behilff deß Gehörs / durch mancherley instrumenta / was Form und Gestalt sie auch seyn mögen / wann die Ohren an die Rohr gehalten und recht appliciret werden. Artis magnæ Lucis & Umbræ
Translation
Of the fabrication of various clay and sound-producing apparatuses. 10th Hand §. III. Of the serpent-shaped tube. Serpent tube. Chap. VIII. Of aiding the hearing / by means of various instrumenta / whatever form and shape they may be / when the ears are held to the tubes and correctly applied. Artis magnæ Lucis & Umbræ
Connected Texts
Athanasius Kircher
The author and designer of these acoustic instruments and the associated text.
Phonurgia Nova
The original Latin work (1673) from which this German edition (1684) on the science of sound and echoes is derived.
Ars Magna Lucis et Umbrae
Kircher cross-references his own work on light and shadow at the bottom of the page to compare the behavior of sound waves to light rays.
Provenance & Source
Object
Engraving
scientific
Digital Source
Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Deutsche Fotothek
Public domain
423 × 820 px
bf8ea11b230265ce77dc140f28ed123b70febc7c
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.