Athanasius Kircher (circa 1601-1680), German Jesuit scholar. Kircher worked in numerous different areas, including oriental studies, geology and medicine. His wide knowledge has led to him being described as 'the last Renaissance man'. In 'Mundus Subterraneus' (1664) he considered fossils, volcanoes and the earth's geologic structure, as well as everything from dragons to giants. His other works include 'Turris Babel' and 'Ars Magna Lucis et Umbrae'. Artwork from 'Chaudieres et Machines a Vapeur' (1911) by French civil engineer Max de Nansouty (1854-1913), part of the 'Les merveilles de la science' series of 1867-1891 by Louis Figuier.