Clavis Cælestis: A Synopsis of the Universe

Clavis Cælestis

Being the Explication of a Diagram, Entituled

A Synopsis of the Universe or, The Visible World Epitomiz’d

Written and illustrated by Thomas Wright, 1742

Reconstructed by Nicholas Rougeux, 2025

Original scans

In 1742, English astronomer Thomas Wright published a short astronomical treatise containing several fold-out sheets illustrating a variety of topics with highly-detailed figures. When combined, they formed a large comprehensive poster with the title, A Synopsis of the Universe or, The Visible World Epitomiz’d. This project is a reconstruction of those sheets and their accompanying treatise.

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Book I System of the World

  1. I. Planets
  2. II. Sun & Inferior Planets
  3. III. Earth & Moon
  4. IV. Superior Planets

Book II Hypothesis Demonstrated

  1. I. Laws of Motion
  2. II. Light & Heat
  3. III. Equation of Time
  4. IV. Phænomena of Planets
  5. V. Theory of Tides
  6. VI. Comets
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Complete reproductions of Thomas Wright’s 1742 engravings titled A Synopsis of the Universe in antique style or more contemporary modern colors.

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