
2 5 c m
40cm
actual image size: 32cm x 17cm
Description
Hand-coloured etching by Peter Fabris (active 1768-1779). Illustrated plate from William Hamilton's study of Italian volcanoes, 'Campi Phlegraei' (published in Naples, 1776). The interior of Vesuvius' crater c1756, showing (1) a smaller mountain formed within the crater of the 'Little Mountain', and streams of lava. Based on letters to the Royal Society, Hamilton's book was a more precise study of volcanic activity than had previously existed, illustrating his claim that volcanoes are creative natural forces.
Image Details
Image Ref.
10306283
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library