Conrad Gessner, Fischbuch, das ist, Ein Kurtze, doch Vollkommen Beschreybung aller Fischen so in dem Meer und süssen Wassern, Seen, Flüssen, oder anderen Bächen ir Wonung habend (Zürich: Christoffel Froschower, 1563). 591 G391dYf, Tulane University Libraries, Rare Books (Mackowen Collection), Tulane University, New Orleans, LA.
“Sea Devil”
This illustration depicts a siren or a “sea devil” with many different body parts from different species such as a lobster for arms, a human torso, a dog head with bull horns, and a mermaid tail.
The accompanying text explains that during the time of Pope Eugene (1431-1447), near the city Sibinicum (modern-day Šibenik) in the Illyrian Sea (modern-day Adriatic Sea), a sea devil was captured by a boy. The ship was near the Greek island Paxos and the crew heard a voice calling for the captain, a man named Thamnus, three times before he answered. The voice told the captain to travel to the deepest part of the sea and then announce that the great god Pan was dead. He did as he was told and heard back great shouts of sorrow emanating from the depths.
Jordan Perkel
Conrad Gessner, Fischbuch, das ist, Ein kurtze, doch vollkommne Beschreybung aller Fischen so in dem Meer und süssen Wasseren, Seen, Flüssen, oder anderen Bächen ir Wonung habend, (Zürich: Christoffel Froschower, 1563). 591 G391dYf, Tulane University Libraries Rare Books (Mackowen Collection), New Orleans, LA.
“Seven-Headed Hydra”
Conrad Gessner (1516-1565) was a Swiss biologist who wrote and illustrated multiple books cataloging various lifeforms. Fischbuch is a collection of marine lifeforms ranging from the fantastical to the mundane.
One of the most interesting images from the book, illustrated by Froschower, is the seven-headed hydra. The hydra is a feared mythological creature dating back to the days of the Ancient Greeks. Unlike other monsters, simply cutting its head off was entirely ineffective, and increased its danger. Any head cut off would grow two more in its place, making it even more dangerous. The only way to kill this beast would be to burn its head, preventing regrowth.
In Fischbuch, the hydra is described as a water dwelling snake-like creature. It allegedly travelled from Turkey to Venice for public display in 1530, before being shipped to the French King. While there are not any allusions to its powers of regrowth, the hydra is just as deadly nonetheless. Gessner finishes his description by saying the hydra is not a natural creature, but rather a mythological being.
Zach Broadhurst
Conrad Gessner, Thierbuch Das ist ein kurtze b[e]schreybung aller vierfüssigen Thieren/so auff der erdē und in wassern wonend/ sampt irer waren conterfactur: …Erstlich durch…D. Cunrat Geßner in Latin beschriben/ yetzunder aber durch D. Cunrat Forer…in das Teütsch gebracht/ und in ein kurtze komliche ordnung gezogen (Getruckt zu Zürych: bey Christoffel Froschower, 1563). 591 G391dYf, Tulane University Libraries, Rare Books (Mackowen Collection), New Orleans, LA.
“Einhorn” (=Unicorn)