FIRST PART

OF THIS BOOK ON THE

PRINCIPLES OF COSMO-

GRAPHY AND

GEOGRAPHY.

CHAPTER ONE.

A decorative square woodcut initial 'C' featuring a symmetrical floral design with lily-like flowers and scrolled foliage on a dark background.

Cosmography (as is evident from the etymology of the word) is the description of the world—which consists of the four elements, Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, as well as the Sun, Moon, and all the stars, and whatever is covered by the circuit of the heavens. For first of all, it contemplates the Circles from which that super-celestial Sphere is understood to be composed. Then, from the distinction between these, it demonstrates the sites of the lands subject to them and the symmetry or measurement of places; furthermore, the account of Climates, the variations of Days and Nights, the four Quarters of the world, the Motions, Risings, and Settings of the fixed as well as the wandering stars, and for whom they move vertically overhead; and it demonstrates whatever pertains to the system of the heavens, such as the elevations of the Pole, Parallels, and Meridian circles, and other matters according to mathematical proofs. And it differs from Geography because it distinguishes the earth only by the Circles of the heavens, and not by mountains, seas, and rivers, etc.