Cosmographia Petri Apiani, per Gemmam Frisium ... iam demum ab omnibus vindicata mendis, ac nonnullis quoque locis aucta ...

An image-desc appears: A decorative horizontal ornament consisting of floral and scrollwork motifs.

An image-desc appears: A decorative drop cap 'C' containing a woodcut illustration of a crowned king in profile, looking towards the left.Cosmography (as is clear from the etymology of the word) Definition of Cosmography.

is a description of the world, which consists of four elements, Earth,
Water, Air, and Fire, and also the Sun, the Moon, and
all the stars, and whatever is covered by the sky's
circumference. For primarily it contemplates the circles, from which
that super-celestial Sphere is understood to be composed.
Then, from their distinction, the site of the lands What Cosmography primarily contemplates.

lying under them, and the symmetry or commensuration of places,
furthermore the system of climates, and the diversities of days
and nights. It demonstrates the four cardinal points of the world, the
motions, risings, and settings of fixed as well as wandering stars,
and by which they are moved vertically, and whatever pertains to the
system of the sky, such as the elevations of the poles, parallels,
and meridian circles, and other things according to mathematical
demonstrations. And it differs from Geography because How and in what way Cosmography differs from Geography.

it distinguishes the earth only through the circles of the sky,
not through mountains, seas, and rivers, etc.

¶ Concerning this matter, take the following delineated formula,
for by this type the description of the whole
Cosmography is demonstrated.