Jan Čížek:
Theatrum Divinum by Matouš Konečný (1616): A Bohemian “Popular Encyclopaedia” in the Context of Early Modern Mosaic Physics

Abstract

This paper builds on recent research on Early Modern Mosaic physics, which has examined its six traditionally recognized representatives and identified significant gaps in their connections. It analyzes Theatrum Divinum (1616) by Matouš Konečný, a bishop of the Unity of Brethren, focusing on its natural-philosophical content. The author argues that Theatrum Divinum aligns more closely with the label “Mosaic” than the works of F. Vallés, L. Lemnius, and T. Lydiat, three commonly cited proponents of this Early Modern intellectual movement, and considers possible reasons for its neglect by contemporaries and later generations.

Language: czech

Keywords: Matouš Konečný; Theatrum divinum; Mosaic physics; Johannes Amos Comenius; Physicae synopsis; natural philosophy