萝莉社

PRAEFATIOAD LECTOREM

PARS PRIMA

De coepti Exstatici Itineris Scopo ITINERARIUM extaticum

Lector benevole, quod in caelestes sublimioris Naturae Mundos, fida Cosmielis directione et auspicio, iam dumdum susceperam, mox publici iuris fatum, uti peritorum virorum approbatione, opinione mea maiori exceptum fuisse cognovi, ita haud exiguos ad aliam atque inauditi itineris expeditionem mihi stimulos atque calcaria addidit. Sed quodnam dicis iter? Vin scire Lector? Paucis, id tibi expono: Iter aggredior haud dubie longe sublimiori carpento, quam quo olim Proserpinam a Plutone raptam ferunt, in incognita hucusque subterranei mundi regna, in intima Geocosmicae Monarchiae penetralia peragendum; audax sane, insolens, et pectori forsan Alcidae formidandum facinus. Ergone iter nullis in hunc diem mortalium, non dicam attentatum tritumque vestigiis; sed ne humanae quidem mentis persuasione penetratum inire audeam? Audeo id, audeo inquam aggredi, non tam mea voluntate susceptum, quam illustrium virorum armata deprecatione extortum; et quanquam propositum mihi institutum eorum in pectoribus, qui rerum usu et experientia destituti, res iuxta extimam tantum, uti dici solet, superficiem oppido fallaci iudicii trutina ponderare solent, Utopiae cuipiam, quam verae itineris narrationi similiorem videri posse probe norim, nil tamen moror, immo apud verae philosophiae sectatores, quibus unis tum, Divinorum operum Maiestas, tum sublimium a natura constitutorum finium providentia innotuit; nonnullam me ob praestitam; quantumvis exiguam et tenuem opellam, meam, gratiam initurum confido; ubi rationum adductarum, incitamentorumque pondera aequiori lance expenderint. Ad Rhombum itaque nos accingamus. Quemadmodum Philosophorum quidam falsa persuasione delusi, terreni globi molem a Deo Geoplasta, ex limo terrae velut casu potius ac fortuita luti congerie, quam certa ratione formatam coagmentatamque fuisse opinantur, ita omni quoque interiori conclave apparatu, omni reconditoriorum naturae distributione, omnibus aqui ductuum incilibus destitutam, solo limi, luti, sedimentique suffartu, haud secus ac casei coagulum condensatam, vere ceu quoddam telluris inutile pondus consolidatam desidere sibi pervicaci mentis contumacia persuadent. Placitum sane tanto Physiologis indignius, quanto quod profitentur dogma futilius et mage ridiculum est. Novi non defuisse hoc illuminati saeculi decursu viros geographici studii cultu illustres, qui ad externam Geocosmi faciem egregio sane conatu nec minori cum laude et nominis immortalitate explicandam, impigre desudarint, qui tamen ad interiorem telluris Oeconomiam, atque occulta latentis naturae sacramenta, non dicam penetrarit, sed ne mente quidem pertigerit, inventus est nemo. Cum igitur ita mihi natura comparatum sit, ut nullus adeo in natura rerum abditus abstrususque effectus elucescat, cuius causae cognoscendae penetrandaeque desiderio non aestuem, cuius reconditos rationum fines, si non vicique quaque indefesso mentis scrutinio attingam, saltem in laudabili vel ipsius attentationis conatu, laudem reponam: Hinc natum est, ut vel maxime mentis oculos in subterranei Mundi structuram hucusque, sive ob inaccessa naturae latibula neglectam, atque ob ineluctabiles in ea penetranda difficultates ignoratam reflexerim. Siquidem fieri non posse cogitabam, quin uti Deus et natura nihil frustra faciunt, ita suprema Sapientia Cosmotechnitis in ea mira arte elaboranda, ac iuxta architectonicam amussim in ea rite disponenda, et ad necessarios totius naturae usus in innumera elementorum conceptacula dispescenda cum ineffabili quadam industria luserit; qua de causa solito molientis ingenii ardore instimulatus, nullum non lapidem movi, ut quantum fieri posset, ad adeo abstrusam in Subterraneo Mundo latentium rerum constitutionem aliquousque penetrarem. Minime iis caeteroquin opportunis et magni ponderis, luculentisque quae ad interiorem telluris statum concipiendum facere videbantur, quaeque ex variis Scriptorum monumentis congesteram, contentus indiciis, nisi et ego abditae veritatis partam proprii experimenti indagine et (GREEK) stabilitam exornarem. Unde quidquid in Geographicarum relationum monumentis, quod tum totius globi tum particularium regionum constitutionem concernebat, quidquid dico rarum, insolens, et paradoxum obvium fuit, id exemptum summo studio adnotavi. Mira Oceanearum expeditionum, quae in novarum regionum, mariumque incognitorum inventione detecta sunt naturae prodigia, pari cura collecta ponderavi. Miratus sum multiplices Oceani motus, nec non affluxus refluxusque status reciprocationes. Vorticem quoque Euriporumque instabilis aestus vicissitudinem obstupui, ad inexplicabilem abyssorum compluribus in locis profunditatem expavi, ad occultam Oceani intra penitissima montium subterrestrium que partium viscera insinuationem, ad fluminum quoque plurium in uno loco absorptionem, eorundemque in altera longo intervallo dissita regione regurgitationem attonitus haesi, lacuum quoque cum subterraneis montium hydrophylaciis, uti et totius Oceani cum caeteris maribus, lacubus, fluminibus, rivis, fontibus, nescio quae occulta negotiationis commercia exercere primum subolfeci. Nec hic destiti, intima metallicarum fodinarum receptacula, ad incredibilem negotiantis naturae industria explorandam, scrutatus sum, et ne quidquam omisisse viderer. Aetnam conscendi, Strongylum exploravi, Vesuvium quoque, vel aliquo usque in eum intromissus, exacta cura, dimensus sum crateres singulorum et occulta antrorum molimina, tum ad inaccessam aestuantis naturae originem propius contuendam, tum ad congrua instituto meo consectaria ex iis deducenda, uti aestuantis animi impetu, ita non sine summo vitae periculo investigavi. Quibus quidem omnibus exacte perlustratis, dici vix potest, quanta animi meum ad rerum spectatarum portenta incesserit admiratio. Admirationem vero quam ardens causarum inquirendarum exceperit desiderium. Unde dum singula cum singulis ad combinatoriae artis incudem reducitis, exactius confero; multo sane interiorem Geocosmi, sive terrestris globi fabricam aliam esse, atque oppido differentem a communi hominum conceptu constitutionem habere deprehendi; quippe in qua scite adornanda aeterna sapientia non minori cum industria, quam in humani corporis, tot vitalium membrorum officinis distincti, tot venarum, nervorum, fibrarumque ductibus instructi, tot caecis meatuum Siphonibus pertusi, fabrica constituenda allaborarit, ut proinde opus illud iam dudum Reip. literariae promissum, quod Mundus Subterraneus inscribitur. Cur multorum annorum elucubratione iam insudo, cuius investigandi causa tot laborum periculorumque discriminibus in Subterraneae Naturae officinis indagandis perfunctus sum. (Cuius et hoc praesens diatribe non nisi Prodromi cuiusdam officio fungitur) titulo magis congruente triumphare non possit. Cum quidquid in Universa Mundi machina infinita quadam rerum varietate diffusum cernitur, id in Geocosmo, veluti in Epitomen quandam contractum videatur. Habes itaque Lector meum in huius Subterranei Mundi Prodromo expediendo consilium, in quo si non usquequaque tibi satisfactum esse compereris, id non tam mihi, quam Prodromo ad uberrimum futuri operis argumentum festinanti, adscribas velim. Siquidem illud quidquid hic vel temporis brevitate intermissum, aut difficultates impeditum, vel varietate aut multitudine confusum fuit, ordine digestum; ab currentibus difficultatum scopulis expeditum, nec non multiplici experimentorum authoritatumque apparatu cumulatum exornatumque, veluti in quodam totius naturae Gazophylacio, insigni cum faenore te reperturum confido. Porro, sicuti in itinerario Caelesti simulati Cosmielis magisterio ad inaccessa naturae Superioris arcana exploranda usus sum ita et in hoc Subterranei Mundi Itinerario methodo priori prorsus parallela procedendum duxi, ut proinde non te moveant raptus, extases, Genii familiaritas, similiaque a Deo agitatorum hominum loquendi dictamina. Hisce enim non alio sine, nisi ad lectionem tum variis ingenii lusibus condiendam, tum ad singula naturae opera, per interrogationes responsionesque ultro citroque factas, facilius luculentiusque exponenda, sub Allegoricis hisce rerum verborumque involucris, usum me esse Lector sibi persuadet. Atque adeo totum hoc commentum, nihil aliud existimatum velim, quam profundam quandam mentis agitationem, in reconditiora naturae phylacteria diffusam; quae uti occulta sunt, et ab humani ingenii comprehensione semotissima, ita ingenti mentis aestu, et anxia quadam serventis ingenii solicitudine, ut penetrentur, opus esse, is solus nescire poterit, qui huiusmodi philosophiae labirynthos nunquam tentaverit. Denique quia in omnibus haec explorandis unicus Divinae gloriae scopus mihi propositus esse debuit, ut videlicet illuc unde veluti a bonorum omnium origine cuncta profluxerunt reducantur, ne a nobis in hoc argumento susceptus labor pio Lectori infructuosus foret, visum fuit rationibus nostris Asceticorum more semper nonnihil ad animae salutem interserere, ac scalam quandam Mysticam construere, qua pia mens per visibilia quae facta sunt, ad invisibilia bonorum nunquam periturorum copiam adipiscendam ascendere posset, ut dum de virtute in virtutem rerum ab Aeterna Sapientia in usum solius hominis conditarum contemplatione assurgit, ea tandem ad totius pertingat felicitatis apicem, qui est Deus Deorum in Sion, qui proinde sit semper laudatus, sine mensura benedictus, semper omni possibilium creaturarum affectu, in perpetuas aeternitates amatus.

PREFACE

TO THE READER

PART ONE

The Purpose of the Ecstatic Journey

Dear Reader, the Ecstatic Journey that I embarked upon some time ago into the celestial realms of higher Nature under the faithful guidance and auspices of Cosmiel has now become a matter of public knowledge. I have learned that it has garnered great recognition through the approval of learned individuals, which has provided me with additional motivation and incentive for another unprecedented expedition. But what journey do I speak of? What is it that you would wish to know, dear Reader? Allow me to explain briefly: I am setting forth on a journey, not in a mere chariot, but in one far more sublime than the legendary abduction chariot of Proserpina by Pluto. My journey will take me into the hitherto unexplored realms of the Subterranean World, deep into the innermost sanctuaries of the Geocosmic Kingdom. It is indeed a bold and audacious undertaking, one that might even give pause to Hercules himself. So, why has no mortal dared to attempt such a journey, let alone presume to explore its depths based on human persuasion? The answer is that I dare, yes, I dare to undertake it. My motivation arises not solely from my own will but from the earnest entreaties of illustrious individuals. I acknowledge that some may regard my proposed endeavor as more akin to a utopian tale than an actual journey, and I do not challenge that view. Those who lack experience in such matters often form superficial and erroneous judgments. Yet, I trust that true Philosophers, impartially weighing the evidence and motivations presented, will appreciate the Majesty of Divine Works and the providence governing the boundaries of nature. I am fully aware that this humble work may appear to some as an account of an actual journey, but I believe that true Philosophers will impartially weigh the reasons and motivations I present. So, let us prepare ourselves for this journey. Certain Philosophers, misled by false beliefs, hold the view that the Earth's mass, the handiwork of God the Creator, was shaped from the Earth's mud as if it were an accidental accumulation of clay rather than a product of purposeful design. They convince themselves that every inner chamber, every hidden aspect of nature, every aqueduct of water, lacks any purpose or structure, condensed solely by the saturation of mud, clay, and sediment as if it were truly a useless and burdensome weight, forsaken due to their own obstinate mindset. This view is most unworthy of true Philosophers, and the doctrine they profess is futile and absurd.I recognize that, during this enlightened age, there have been individuals distinguished in the field of geographical studies who have diligently sought to explain the external face of the Earth with remarkable effort and earned well-deserved praise and immortal fame. However, none have ventured to uncover the inner workings of the Earth and the secrets of hidden nature or to penetrate them with their minds. Therefore, driven by my nature to shed light on the obscure phenomena of the natural world and fueled by an insatiable desire to understand their causes and penetrate their mysteries, I have undertaken this journey. I credit myself with commendable effort and intention. That is why I have turned my attention to the structure of the Subterranean World, a domain hitherto neglected, either due to the hidden recesses of nature or the unknown and insurmountable challenges of investigating it. I considered it inconceivable that God and Nature would create anything in vain. The Supreme Wisdom of the Divine Artisan has adorned it with wondrous precision, arranging it with architectural finesse and employing ineffable craftsmanship in the multifarious compartments of the elements, each serving manifold purposes in Nature. Motivated by the ardor of my inquisitive mind, I have spared no effort to penetrate as deeply as possible into the constitution of these hidden aspects. I was not content with the conclusions drawn solely from various writings; I felt compelled to explore the hidden truths through my own investigations, verified by firsthand experience. Therefore, from various accounts addressing the constitution of the entire globe and specific regions, as recorded in geographical works, I diligently noted whatever struck me as rare, unusual, or paradoxical. I marveled at the ocean's various movements, the ebb and flow of tides, the alternating surges of straits, and the unfathomable depths of many abysses in various locations. I was captivated by the ocean's infiltration into the innermost recesses of subterranean mountains and by the absorption of rivers in one place and their resurgence much farther away. I also found fascination in the interaction of lakes with underground mountain reservoirs, as well as the hidden interconnections of the entire ocean with other seas, lakes, rivers, streams, and springs.My exploration did not end there. I delved into the inner chambers of metallic mines with incredible diligence to understand the nature of a miner's trade, leaving no stone unturned. I ascended Mount Etna, explored Mount Stromboli, and even descended into Mount Vesuvius. I meticulously measured the craters of each volcano. I examined the hidden passages of their caves, all in the pursuit of comprehending the inaccessible origins of surrounding nature more intimately and drawing suitable conclusions according to my plan. I undertook this investigation with unbridled enthusiasm, not without great risks to my life. It is difficult to convey how much I marveled at the wonders of the visible world after such comprehensive examinations. However, my desire to uncover the underlying causes was even more profound. Thus, by weaving together various elements through the art of synthesis, I scrutinized them more closely. I discovered that the inner structure of the Geocosm, or the Earth's globe, differed markedly from the common conception held by humanity. I realized that it had been designed with no less skill and eternal wisdom than the human body, complete with numerous vital organs, distinct functions, an intricate network of veins, nerves, and fiber ducts, and countless concealed passageways and channels. Therefore, this long-anticipated work, the result of many years of labor and the hazards encountered in exploring the subterranean environment, could not have a more fitting title than 'Mundus Subterraneus.' What is seen diffused in the vast diversity of things within the infinite machinery of the entire world appears to be condensed into a certain embodiment within the Geocosm. Hence, dear Reader, you now have before you my plan for describing this Subterranean World. If it fails to fully satisfy you, I ask that you attribute it not solely to me but also to the constraints of preparing a prelude to future work's extensive theme. What may have been omitted here due to the constraints of time, the challenges faced, or the complexities of variety and multitude, you will, I hope, find orderly arranged and of considerable interest, free of impediments, and enriched with a wealth of experiments and authoritative sources, akin to a treasury of all things in nature. Furthermore, just as in the Celestial Journey, where I employed the allegorical guidance of Cosmiel to explore the inaccessible secrets of higher Nature, I have chosen to proceed in a similar manner in this Journey of the Subterranean World. Therefore, do not be swayed by the raptures, ecstasies, and spirits, or similar expressions often associated with those inspired by God's illumination. Understand that they serve no purpose other than facilitating various intellectual pursuits and providing a clearer exposition of natural phenomena through questions and answers using allegorical language and symbols. Consider this entire discourse as nothing more than profound inspiration diffused into the hidden chambers of Nature. These things are concealed and far removed from the comprehension of the human intellect, and it is a task reserved for those who have ventured into the labyrinths of philosophy with great intellectual fervor and a deep concern for the preservation of knowledge. Lastly, let it be understood that the ultimate aim of all these explorations is the glory of the Divine, a return to the source from which all things emanate, as if from the origin of all that is good. So, the pious Reader should not consider our undertaking in this subject matter as fruitless. In the manner of Ascetics, I have interwoven elements for the salvation of the soul and constructed a kind of Mystic ladder through which the devout mind can ascend from the contemplation of visible things to attain the abundance of eternal invisible blessings. Thus, as one progresses from virtue to virtue through the contemplation of the things ordained for human use by Eternal Wisdom, they may ultimately reach the summit of all happiness, which is the God of Gods in Zion. This God, therefore, is eternally praised, blessed immeasurably, and loved infinitely.

PARS SECUNDA.

De causa et ordine huius Opusculi.

Lector, in huius Opusculi inscriptione exotici tituli novitate deceptus, prima statim fronte dubius perplexusque haereret; hoc loco, ea, quae par est, synceritate, nec non ea, qua potero verborum paucitate, instituti mei rationem opportune exponam.

Cum itaque ex multo iam tempore a magni nominis viris ad operis iam dudum promissi (qui Mundus Subterraneus inscribitur) editionem continua literarum sollicitatione urgerer; Opus vero memoratum uti argumentorum hucusque inexploratorum varietate et copia confertissimum, ita maius quoque otium, temporisque copiam quam quis credere posset ad tot, abditas rerum causas, ad tot Naturae miracula, quae non sine ingenti animi ausu, non fine innumeris praeviorum experimentorum tentaminibus exploranda exploranda erant, summopere necessariam exigere videretur; hinc factum est, ut opus iam quasi in suo quasi in suo fastigio constitutum, tum ob truculentam pestiferae luis, quae ingenti mortalium strage Italiae dominabatur, tyrannidem, aliaque horum martialium temporum calamitates, tum ob luctuosum FERDINANDI III Caesaris Mecaenatis sane munificentissimi obitum, novas semper et novas Remoras inveniret; quibus accedente necessarii defectu subsidii id non tantum oppido retardatum, sed sinisterioris alea iactu veluti attonitum stupescentque aliquantisper suspendendum fuit, donec melioris ei fortis spes affulgeret. Veruntamen ne opus illud communi malorum turbine involutum, una extinctum sepultumque videri posset, atque ardentia id exspectantium desideria diuturniori mora flaccescerent; hoc praesens opusculum, quo rerum in Magni Operis apparatu tractandarum series non nisi (GREEK) exhiberetur, sive ad peritiorum virorum iudicia circa instituti mei rationem exploranda, sive ad nonnulla dicto Operi oportuna subsidia comparanda, concinnare visum fuit. Sed quaenam dices subsidia? Paucis verborum meorum summam tibi pando. Diuturna experientia ducis doctusque novi; mirificos quosdam effectus, quibus natura rerum in Orbe terrarum ludit, ita per omnia mundi climata diffusos esse, ut vix territorium sit adeo exiguum, quod non exoticum quoddam ac prorsus insolens ludibundae naturae spectaculum exhibeat, quarum abditarum rationum medulla, ut in intimo rerum recessu residet, ita quoque non nisi diuturno ac profundo Mentis scrutinio, per varias combinatoriae amussis leges tandem attingitur; de quibus a diversis certior factus, cum tantam rerum molem non unius hominis esse, sine aliorum, qui necessarias mihi suppetiarum copias conferrent, contributione, probe cognoscerem: quapropter literarium cum Medicis, Chymicis, aliisque reconditioris philosophiae Magistris commercium instituendum duxi; ut quae ab iis circas locorum quorundam particularium naturam, nativamque terrestrium partium constitutionem, aliorumque prodigiosorum effectuum, qui in fontium thermarumque exoticis qualitatibus, in ventorum unicuique locorum peculiarium abditis proprietatibus, in mineralibus quoque metallicisque corporibus; uti et in variis succis, oleis, aliusque, quos sola nonnulla exudant; liquoribus in animalibus denique plantisque naturae Oeconomia sese exerit, ingentem mihi memoratarum rerum copiam, tum ad argumenta in opere magno proposita solidiori fundamento stabilienda, tum ad operis splendorem, compararem. Hoc enim peracto, futurum sperabam, ut natura, quae praedivites suas in occultis Subterranei Mundi adytis officinas constitutas habet, atque in iis perenni motu ad rerum generationem intenta negotiatur, faciliori modo explicaretur, effectumque insolentium causae, quae tantopere Physicorum ingenia vexant, magno tandem Reip. literariae emolumento panderentur. Habes hic rationem consilii mei, pro tanta rerum mole, paucis descriptam.

Quod vero ad ordinem huius praesentis Operis attinet, eum paucis pariter expedio. Divisum est Opusculum, uti vides in tres Dialogos; quorum prior Interlocutoribus Hydriele et Theodidacto de Aqua universali rerum principio, eiusque in natura rerum necessitate et utilitate agit; quem ut Caesaris iussu iam dudum condideram, ita opportune sane eum binis sequentibus Dialogis veluti vestibulum quoddam praeponendum censui; vel quod antecessor hic non nisi sub universali quodam ratiocinio attingit, id sequentes, Interlocutoribus Cosmiel et Theodidacto, proximarum causarum investigatione explanarent.

Atque haec sunt, de quibus te primam Amice Lector, monendum duximus. Porro, si quid in hac diatribe laude dignum repereris, id Deo, cui unice vivo et servio; si quid mancum et deficiens, id mihi, ut humanae conditioni subdito, ascribas velim; si denique tibi quicquam melius, quod ad meam rem facere possit, occurrerit, ut id mihi omni affectus pravitate deposita sincere et candide conferas, obnixe precor; meque cui nihil antiquius est, quam ab omnibus erudiri, praestiti beneficii haud immemorem, cum debita nominis tui commendatione futurum, sancte polliceor, Vale et coeptis fave.

SECOND PART

The purpose and structure of this Work.

A Reader, drawn in by the intriguing title gracing the cover of this booklet, might initially pause and find themselves puzzled upon their very first encounter with its contents. Now, with utmost sincerity and to the best of my ability, I shall provide a concise explanation of the purpose behind my endeavor.

Illustrious individuals have, over time, persistently encouraged me through their literary appeals to publish the long-promised work titled 'Mundus Subterraneus.' However, this extensive work, brimming with unexplored topics and the abundance of nature's miracles, appeared to require more free time than one could imagine. It demanded audacity of spirit and numerous preliminary experiments to delve into the countless hidden causes and wonders of nature contained within it. Consequently, this work, seemingly reaching its zenith, encountered continual delays due in part to a devastating plague outbreak in Italy, various military conflicts of the era, and the sorrowful passing of Ferdinand III, a generous patron. New and unforeseen obstacles continually arose, and the lack of necessary support not only impeded progress but left it delayed by a stroke of misfortune, awaiting a brighter turn of fate. However, to ensure that the work would not be swallowed and extinguished by the prevailing whirlwinds of misfortune and to prevent the waning of fervent anticipation of those expecting its completion, it appeared appropriate to compose this present concise work. It serves as a summary of the subjects that will be further explored in the comprehensive 'Mundus Subterraneus.' It aims to seek the judgment of learned individuals regarding the purpose of my undertaking and provide some fitting support for the aforementioned work. Now, you might wonder about the nature of this support. I shall briefly explain the essence of my objective. Guided by extensive experience and the wisdom of specialists, I have come to understand that certain marvelous effects, integral to the workings of earthly nature, are so universally distributed across the world's regions that scarcely any territory does not exhibit these playful and extraordinary phenomena. To reach the fundamental reasons, deeply concealed within the innermost recesses of things, requires extended and profound mental scrutiny, eventually unveiling them through the application of various principles of combinatorial analysis. Having gained knowledge of these matters from various sources and realizing that such an extensive body of information cannot be the sole work of one individual, I recognized the necessity of engaging with others who could furnish me with the essential knowledge. Hence, I resolved to establish a literary exchange with Physicians, Chemists, and other Masters of profound philosophy to gather a wealth of information regarding the nature of specific locations, the inherent constitution of terrestrial regions, and other astonishing phenomena. These phenomena manifest in the unique qualities of springs and thermal waters, the hidden properties of region-specific winds, various minerals and metallic substances, as well as diverse juices, oils, and other substances that yield remarkable effects. With this wealth of information, I aspired to provide a more solid foundation for the arguments presented in the Great Work, enhancing its overall brilliance. Ultimately, I hoped that the productive workshops of nature concealed within the sanctuaries of the Subterranean World, perpetually engaged in the generation of various entities, could be elucidated in a more accessible manner. Additionally, I aimed to uncover the causes of these extraordinary phenomena, which often perplex the minds of physicists, to the great benefit of scholarly knowledge. In summary, this outlines the rationale behind my plan, albeit briefly, considering the vastness of the subject matter at hand.

I will also clarify the structure of this current work. As you can observe, it is divided into three dialogues. The first dialogue, involving the interlocutors Hydriel and Theodidactus, explores the universal principle of water as the foundation of all things, delving into its necessity and utility in the natural order. This dialogue, which I had previously composed at the Emperor's behest, I deemed fitting to place as a sort of prelude preceding the subsequent two dialogues. This initial dialogue primarily addresses universal principles, while the subsequent dialogues, featuring the interlocutors Cosmiel and Theodidactus, proceed to elucidate these principles through the investigation of proximate causes. These are the primary matters we considered essential to convey to you, dear reader. Furthermore, if you find any elements deserving of commendation in this discourse, ascribe them to God, whom I serve and to whom alone I owe my existence. If you encounter any deficiencies or shortcomings, I kindly request that you attribute them to my inherent human shortcomings. Lastly, if you happen upon any improvements or insights that could enhance my work, I earnestly implore you to share them with me openly and candidly, free from personal biases. I genuinely beseech this of you, and I assure you that nothing holds greater value for me than the opportunity to learn from all, with due recognition of your contributions. Farewell, and may you favor my endeavors.

IOANNES RHO

Provinciae Romanae Societatis IESU Praepositus Proviencialis

CUM Opus, quod inferius erit, exaratum et fecundum, sive Prodromus Mundi Subterranei, a P. Athanasio Kirchero, nostrae Societatis Sacerdote, compositum, aliquot eiusdem Societatis Theologi recognoverint; et in lucem edendum posse probaverint (potestate nobis data ab Admodum Reverendo Patre N. Gosuvinio Nickel, praefatae Societatis Generali Praeposito), facultatem concedimus, ut typis mandetur, si ad eos pertineat, ita ut iudicatur. Cuius rei gratia has litteras manu nostra firmatas, nostrique officii sigillo munitas damus. Romae, 2 Augusti 1657.

Ioannes Rho

Imprimatur:
Si videbitur Reverendissimo Patri S.P. Ap. Mag. 
M.A. Episcopus Veicesg..

Imprimatur:
Fr. Raimundus Capistrucus Ord. Praed. S.A.P. Magister.

JOHN RHO

Provincial Superior of the Roman Province of the Society of Jesus

The following work, bearing the title "Prodromus Mundi Subterranei" and authored by Father Athanasius Kircher, a priest of our Society, has undergone examination and received approval from several theologians in the same Society. It has been judged as suitable for publication, with the authorization bestowed upon us by the Very Reverend Father N. Gosuvinio Nickel, the General Superior of the aforementioned Society. We hereby grant permission for its printing, contingent upon their judgment of its appropriateness. To fulfill this purpose, we issue these letters, personally signed by us and marked with the seal of our office.

Rome, August 2, 1657.

John Rho

Let it be printed:

If it seems fitting to the Most Reverend Father S.P. Ap. Mag.

M.A. Bishop of Veicesg.

Let it be printed:

Fr. Raymond Capistrucus of the Order of Preachers S.A.P. Master.