JamesWhitehead
Piffle Prospector
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2001
- Messages
- 14,237
Years ago, I recall seeing an engraving of a device to communicate with angels or spirits. Memory suggests it was not unlike a dressing-table but in place of the mirror there was a triangular or pyramidal superstructure on a column. This had an oval aperture through which, presumably, the spirits could enter the world.
My immediate source was a library book borrowed in the 1970s but the engraving was probably from the 1600s or 1700s. Athanasius Kircher seemed the natural source but despite browsing images from his works, I have never since seen this engraving.
The picture was so matter-of-fact that as a boy of eleven or so, I recall peering into second-hand furniture shops in the (forlorn) hope they might have such a thing among their stock, awaiting recognition!
Has anyone seen this print? :?:
My immediate source was a library book borrowed in the 1970s but the engraving was probably from the 1600s or 1700s. Athanasius Kircher seemed the natural source but despite browsing images from his works, I have never since seen this engraving.
The picture was so matter-of-fact that as a boy of eleven or so, I recall peering into second-hand furniture shops in the (forlorn) hope they might have such a thing among their stock, awaiting recognition!
Has anyone seen this print? :?: