ATHANASIUS KIRCHER

Of the Society of Jesus

The Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits, was a Catholic religious order known for its rigorous scientific and missionary work during the 17th century.

THE MAGNETIC KINGDOM OF NATURE

A PHYSIOLOGICAL DISCUSSION

In the 1600s, "physiological" referred to the general study of the natural world and its physical laws, rather than just the human body.

Concerning the triple MAGNET in the Nature of things,

arranged according to the triple degree of

that same Nature:

I N A N I M A T E

Referring to the physical world, such as minerals, stones, and literal magnets.

A N I M A T E

Referring to living things like plants that grow and move without conscious thought.

S E N S I T I V O

Referring to "sensitive" souls, meaning animals and humans who possess senses and perception.

In which the hidden forces and properties of certain marvelous

motions, which are observed in the triple Economy of Nature in several

recently discovered bodies, are brought forth into the open light,

and are demonstrated with clear arguments,

with experience as a guide.

To the Renowned and Distinguished Man

ALEXANDER FABIANUS

A native of the New World.

Alexander Fabian was a Chilean Jesuit and a student of Kircher. He provided Kircher with information about South American nature and geography.

AMSTERDAM.

From the Workshop of Johannes Janssonius van Waesberge

and

the Widow of Elizeus Weyerstraet.

With Privilege.

A privilege was a legal protection granted by a ruler or government. It prevented other printers from copying the book for a set period of time, similar to a modern copyright.