Della Porta and the Lynx

But Della Porta’s magic (previous page) was natural, that is, an inquiry into causes that were natural even if they were hidden (Figure 1) (Figure 2) . This inquiry was personified by the keen eyesight of the lynx, which adorned Della Porta’s 1589 title page (Figure 3) . Inspired by Della Porta, prince Federigo Cesi established the Accademia dei Lincei, the Academy of the Lynx, to peer deeper into the secrets of nature than ever before. Della Porta became the first non-founding member, and his membership is proudly noted on this 1614 title page (Figure 4) .

Exhibit credit: Kerry Magruder, with the assistance of , Marilyn B. Ogilvie, Duane H. D. Roller.