An early engraved map of the Sun

A very decorative, rare and fine print of the sun showing sunspots and solar flares from Zahn's 'Oculus Artificialis Teledioptricus Sive Telescopium' which delved into the nature of optics and explored the uses of the camera obscura, magic lantern and telescope. Johann Zahn (1631-1707) was a philosopher of the Praemonstratensian order in Würtzburg, he wrote a number of pseudo-scientific works accompanied by engravings of the highest standard. His work was produced during a period of history known as the 'Enlightenment' when scientific experimentation and philosophical debate were encouraged by a European nobility hungry for new knowlege.