An elaborate woodcut headpiece depicting a landscape with several figures engaged in various activities, possibly allegorical or scientific. In the center, a figure stands near a tree, while others are seen in the distance near buildings and hills. Floral motifs and decorative scrolls frame the scene.

LIST

OF ALL CHAPTERS

CONTAINED IN

THIS WORK.

Preface to the Readers. Page i.

SECTION I. PART I.

In which the universal mystery of rarity and density is explained.

BOOK ONE.

Prologue. 7

CHAPTER I. Decorative drop cap 'I' with floral patterns. In which the complete arrangement of the experimental machine is described. 8
II. Concerning the preparation and arrangement of the glass, or the long-necked matrix A E. 9
III. Concerning the power and property of this mirror The "mirror" (speculum) refers to the author's experimental weather-glass or thermoscope, used to observe the "reflection" of nature's laws., and the certain ratio of the condensation and rarefaction of the air enclosed within it. 10
IV. In which the origin, nature, and operation of cold and heat—and also the reason for such great contrariety between them—is explained with precision. 12
V. How, through the aid of the experimental instrument in the observation of rarity and density, the order, number, weight, and measure of the entire macrocosmic The "macrocosm" refers to the universe or the "great world." machine—or world-spirit—to be divided into spheres, regions, and elements, are succinctly explained; the actions and properties of the winds are revealed; the mystery of generating meteors In the 17th century, "meteors" referred to all atmospheric phenomena, including rain, wind, and lightning. is uncovered; and finally, the occurrences and causes of the four seasons, in their temperance or intemperance, are demonstrated. 17

PART II. BOOK II.

In which the nature of the universal macrocosmic spirit, the daily change of the elements, and the generation of various-formed meteors are demonstrated visually through the proper inspection and observation of the experimental mirror.

CHAPTER I. Concerning the nature of the sublunary macrocosmic spirit, and how it is proven through the observation of the experimental mirror that it is the origin first of every element, and then of the meteors formed from the elements. 33
II. How the eternal Spirit of Wisdom is that radical author and agent through which the aforementioned universal spirits are moved and altered, and how through its various angelic organs it is accustomed to blow multiformly from the four corners of the world to fulfill the will of the Creator: and all of this is confirmed by inspection of the experimental mirror. 35
III. By what reasoning the origin and cause of clouds, rains, [dew], snow, frost, and ice may be sought and explained. 41
IV. Concerning the rise of meteors, or fiery phenomena, and how their logic is truly demonstrated in the experimental mirror. 42

V. The erroneous and false Aristotelian Philosophy—and consequently the foundations and bases of its Christian Peripatetic Followers of Aristotle’s philosophy. followers—are exposed.

BOOK III.

Concerning the comparison of the spirit enclosed in the experimental mirror with that of the Microcosm The "Microcosm" or "little world" refers to the human being, viewed as a miniature version of the universe..

CHAPTER I. Concerning the relation of man to the world, and that there is the same ratio or respect between the spirit enclosed in the instrument and that aerial spirit of the world which the body surrounds and imprisons. 50
II. How the temperaments and constitutions of men may be gathered from the contemplation of the experimental mirror. 51
III. By what reasoning we can explain the dual types of diseases and the two temperaments of the healthy from the inspection of the experimental mirror. 53
IV. That even the diseases and passions of the soul can be described through the contemplation of this experimental mirror. 55
V. That the colors and alterations of urines can be known through the observation of the experimental mirror. 58
VI. How the most suitable times for curing diseases are gathered through inspection of the experimental mirror. 60
VII. That even the temperaments of simple medicines can be most easily adapted to this scale of the instrument. 61

SECTION I. PART II.

One Book.

Which treats of both the particular and general nature, essence, and definition of disease, and this according to the intention of the Holy Bible.

CHAPTER I. What a disease, or a morbid meteor, is. 63
II. Concerning the universal or general definition of disease, or the morbid meteor, described from the doctrine of the Holy Scriptures and confirmed by the authority of the Pagans original: "Ethnicorum". 66
III. The most general definition of disease, or the morbid meteor, is explained, insofar as it includes not only the disease but also the manifold cause of the disease. 71

SECTION I. PART III.

Concerning the differences of diseases, or morbid meteors.

SECTION I. PART III. BOOK I.

Concerning the differences of both super-celestial and celestial diseases.

CHAPTER I. In which the various difference of diseases with the medical- The text cuts off here at the end of the page; the catchword "rum" suggests the next page begins with "medical [theories]" or "physicians."