Geography (Geographicae Enarrationis Libri Octo)

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(for it is not relevant to dwell here on the praises of Geography, which are clear in themselves) I judged that this work of mine should be dedicated to no one more than to your greatness, not only because of the preeminent knowledge you hold in the mathematical disciplines, and also your other countless virtues, which have deservedly placed you at such a height even without any aid of fortune, but also because of our old friendship and the singular favor of your mind, with which you have already favored me for many years, especially as often as I served the office of Ambassador in the causes of the fatherland before our most invincible Caesar Maximilian, of never-to-be-forgotten memory, and it happened that you were present. Moreover, when you were recently present among the highest princes at this great imperial assembly held in this city, and I could not visit your greatness out of respect for your dignity due to my poor health, you, not unmindful of our old humanity and companionship, laying aside all pride, wished to come to my house of your own accord and to honor and comfort me with your presence. Therefore, so that I might also show the gratitude of my mind, at least as much as I could, I wished to deserve your favor with this small service, by which you might have some pledge of my regard for you, and so that our Ptolemy, supported by so great a patron, might go forth more safely into public view and be more secure from the teeth of critics. Therefore, most venerable Prince, receive with the kindness that is your custom, the devotion of my mind rather than the smallness of the gift, and expect shortly the books of triangles by Ioannis de Regio monte Johannes Regiomontanus, which you have seen in my possession, as well as his defense against Trapezuntius George of Trebizond, and in the meantime, live happily. Nuremberg. The Kalends of September. In the year of our Salvation 1524.

CLAUDIUS PTOLEMY

THE FIRST BOOK OF GEOGRAPHICAL ENARRATION, IN WHICH THESE THINGS ARE CONTAINED

1 In what way Geography differs from Chorography.
2 What things must be presupposed for Geography.
3 How the circumference of the number of stadia units of distance is to be taken from the number of stadia of any straight distance (even if it is not under the same meridian), and conversely.
4 That those things which have been observed from appearances ought to be preferred to those which have been discovered from the history of travel.
5 That one should adhere more to the newest histories because of the changes which happen over time on the earth.
6 Concerning the Geographical enarration of Marinus Marinus of Tyre.
7 Rectification of the distance of the latitude of the earth known from appearances, according to Marinus.
8 The same rectification from the measuring of journeys.
9 The same rectification from voyages made.
10 That it is not fitting to suppose the Ethiopians are further south than the parallel opposite through Meroem Meroe.
11 Finally, those things concerning the length of the world which were not correctly devised by Marinus.

12 Emendation of the length of the earth known from travels.
13 The same emendation from voyages.
14 Concerning the voyage from the Golden Chersonese to Cattigara a legendary port city in the Far East.
15 Concerning those things in which he disagrees in the particular exposition of Marinus.
16 That some things in the terminations of provinces escaped him.
17 In which he himself disagrees with those things which have been produced in our age by histories.
18 That the compositions of Marinus are useless for the designation of the world.
19 Concerning the convenience of our enarration for the designation of the world.
20 Concerning the awkward measurement of the Geographical Table composed by Marinus.
21 What things must be observed in the designation to be made on a plane.
22 How it is necessary to describe the world on a sphere.
23 Exposition of the meridians and parallels which are to be added to the description.
24 The method by which the world can be described on a plane so that it is similar in commensuration to the spherical position.