The Magnetic Kingdom of Nature

A complex symbolic illustration serves as the frontispiece. At the top, a divine hand emerges from clouds, holding a metal ring. A chain of circular links hangs from this ring. The chain forms a diamond frame around the sun, moon, and stars. This depicts the celestial world.

In the center, a winged figure stands behind a large open book. The figure holds a celestial globe in one hand and scales in the other. This represents the balance of the heavens and the earth.

Three circular medallions hang from the chain. The left medallion shows a magnetic compass. It is labeled Steadfastly. The right medallion shows a palm tree weighed down by a stone. It is labeled Though pressed down, it will rise again. The bottom medallion shows a rooster and a stag in a landscape. It is labeled Nature delights in nature.

At the bottom are three panels. The left shows a dial for a magnetic or solar clock. The middle shows a river landscape. The right shows a plant growing under different phases of the moon.

original: "Arcanis nodis ligantur mundi". This is Kircher's central motto. It claims that invisible forces, like magnetism, link the divine, celestial, and physical realms. These "knots" are the hidden laws of nature that the author intends to explain.