Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 19.djvu/531

Rh the moon according to the prevailing theory of the time, as seen by the naked eye or through the telescope. In the picture-writings of both continents, in their carvings and metal castings, were seen the first rude presentations of the planet in her various phases.

The first astronomical moon-drawing is attributed to Anaxagoras; it was probably executed more than twenty-three centuries ago. Since his time numberless drawings have been made, all more or less imperfect. In 1609, Galileo, from observations made with a telescope of his own invention, constructed the first lunar map, which is valuable only as marking the first great advance toward precise knowledge of the moon's surface.

Scheiner, a German professor, and Schirlaus, made numerous sketches of a like character; during the same century Langrenus executed special drawings of different points on the moon, naming them after celebrated personages.

About the year 1647 appeared the "Selenographia," a work by Hevelius, of Dantzic, wherein was the first lunar map at all approaching correctness. Although Father Riccioli, of Bologna, published a chart in 1651, and Dominic Cassini another in 1680, fuller as to detail, Hevelius's chart was considered the best authority for one hundred years after its issue, his knowledge of drawing contributing greatly to its success.

In 1775 appeared Tobias Mayer's small lunar chart, the most accurate yet published, and consulted as such until 1824. The first scientific attempt to delineate the characteristic features of the moon in detail was made by Lohrmann, a land-surveyor in Dresden: he intended to publish a chart on a large scale in twenty-five sections, but failing eyesight compelled him to forego his ambitious project; he, however, executed a fine lunar map, fifteen and a quarter inches in diameter, in 1838.

Schroeter, of Lilienthal, labored with the greatest patience, making a long series of observations, but, owing to a lack of graphic skill, his "Selenographische Fragmente" was not a true exponent of his ideas.

In 1837 appeared Beer and Mädler's "Der Monde," one of the most valuable contributions to astronomical literature; the chart accompanying it shows an immense amount of detail, all the principal objects seen through the telescope being given in outline. Webb's "Map of the Moon," reduced from this chart, is of great value to the student, retaining as it does all the most important features and omitting confusing detail.

The most interesting and wonderful chart yet published is that recently completed by Schmidt, of Athens, the result of more than a quarter of a century's observations of the moon, and for which the author made more than a thousand drawings.

The most diffuse and clearly illustrated work published within the