Helvetia occidentalis - südwestlicher Teil (Bern, Oberland, Fryburg, Lemann, Wallis): 6-14. Inclitæ Bernatvm vrbis, cvm omni ditionis svæ agro et provinciis delineatio chorographica

A detailed chorographic map of the Bernese territory, specifically the Aargau region, which features intricate topographical markings, administrative borders, and labels for various settlements. The layout includes elaborate decorative cartouches and a systematic legend for interpreting map symbols.

The upper-left cartouche features a dedication to the students of mathematics.

TO ALL STUDENTS OF MATHEMATICS, GREETINGS.
THOMAS SCHEPPIUS, M.D.

In the description of this map, three things occur which, lest I be accused of arrogance, or charged with error or ignorance, seem to need to be explained a little more diligently to the fair reader, or at least excused, so that the rationale for my truth may stand. First, the degrees and minutes of longitude are equal in both the Southern and Northern margins. The reason is that the latitude of this entire map differs by almost no minutes. For in German miles, the greatest difference is 1 1/2 minutes; in equinoctial degrees, however, 1 1/2 minutes. Second, by subtracting half of this difference from the upper margin and adding it to the count of miles or degrees of the lower margin, a certain mean difference results, whereby it is brought about that to one degree of longitude, the latitude—or joined with it, the great circle on the sphere—corresponds to 51 minutes and 26 seconds. Thus, the proportion of longitude to latitude is that of 10 to 24. Since this was most suitable for drawing the map, and because the difference is so great that it might generate an error perceptible to the senses, it was decided to make both the upper and lower margins equal. Secondly, regarding latitude, it must be known that if one could exceed the elevation of the place by true minutes, which has been detected by no mathematician up to this point, to the 49th degree—because indeed the opinion is foreign to astronomers, which grants our latitude 46 1/2 degrees, among most who are so learned and hold such high office—because of the authority that is great in the thing itself, they are such that even if they do not desire it by their own opinion, they are not integral?, especially when it is done without the danger of an error of the senses, and at least of his counsel, which cannot be amended. Thirdly, in delineating Valais, Savoy, and Burgundy, which are bordering our side, I have consulted not only their counsel but also that which requires the description from me, so that the parts of Bern in this work might be my diligent and indefatigable labor, rather than looking at the narrow, and that which in every art reserves itself to be hidden in this way.

The lower right cartouche contains publication details.

Bern, of the Nuitons historical term for the inhabitants of the region, were depicting, and from exact copper types were carving, Martinus Krumm of Bern and Johannes Martin of Deventer, both painters. Assisted by Adelbergo Sauracker, citizen of Basle. It was printed with the care of Bernhard and Johannes. By grace of the Imperial privilege, in the year 1578.

The legend box in the lower center-right defines symbols for the following: 'Stat' City, 'Vogty' Bailiwick, 'Schloß' Castle, 'Clofter' Monastery, 'Parrochy' Parish, 'Filial' Chapel, 'Dorf' Village, 'Hof' Farm/Estate, 'Zerſtort' Ruins, 'Euangelich' Protestant, and 'Catholich' Catholic.

Heraldic shields along the left and bottom margins represent the following regions and cities: Losan, Cacias, Milden, Morgex, Yverdon, Romamost, Murten, Granson, Thorberg, and Frienisberg.