Browse Items (55 total)

A collection of texts that describes various alchemical processes.

This is an image that shows the alchemical process of Nigredo. It is part of Mylius's emblem book called Philosophia Reformata. The skeleton, crow, and black sun refer to the ideas of putrefaction and mortification associated with the Nigredo stage…

This text is a meticulous representation of the phases of insects and metamorphosis

A book on Johannes Kepler's cosmological theory based on the Copernican system. The full title translates to Forerunner of the Cosmological Essays, Which Contains the Secret of the Universe; on the Marvelous Proportion of the Celestial Spheres, and…

A book discussing the relations of geometrical forms and physical phenomena

It has been a debate for centuries whether or not Vermeer used optics to help create more realistic paintings. This work has clear signs of using a camera obscura. Using this device helps him to figure out the size of the people in relation to one…

This volume is the first systematic classification of insect species. It was published after John Ray's death.

Illustrated essay on the nature, cultivation, and benefits of the cochineal insect

This painting shows da Vinci's theories of optics being put to use. He was one of the first painters to use optics in order to trick the viewer's eye.

Leonardo da Vinci had many notes on painting which were turned into a treatise after he passed away. The treatise discusses da Vinci's theories relating to optics, color, perspective and other elements of painting.