Secrets of Nature

A World of Secrets

From 9 June to 12 September 2021, the Embassy of the Free Mind presented Secrets of Nature. Travel with us to a time when the world was still full of secrets that were puzzling to explain. At the same time, knowledge about natural processes was rapidly expanding. The first major scientific discoveries were made, although they were not always accepted at face value. We only need to think of Copernicus’ discovery that the earth revolved around the sun. Many phenomena continued to remain a mystery, however. This period marks the transition between the ‘magical’ and the ‘rational’ world picture.

Magic and Modern Science

According to the magical world view, nature spoke in symbols. The ability to interpret them well could help acquire deeper insights into the purpose of creation, even the intentions of the creator. Our role in this sublunary world would become clearer and it might also prove possible to manipulate nature using magical formulas or practices. The books in this exhibition, all of which are from the Embassy of the Free Mind collection, sometimes reflect this symbolical interpretation of nature, and sometimes reflect a more modern scientific view of the world. One of the items on display is a human anatomy atlas, based on new scientific insights. It can be opened layer by layer to reveal the ‘secrets’ of organs, bones and veins.

Extraterrestrial Life, Mountain Mannikins and Herrings Bearing Strange Signs

There were also serious discussions about the possibility of extraterrestrial life, inspired by astronomical observations. Other books, however, show that the earth itself was still considered a very mysterious place, peopled by invisible spirits, including vicious mannikins who jealously guarded their gold. Nature was also believed to transmit hidden messages, such as herrings bearing strange signs on their skins or erupting volcanoes announcing some pretty bad news for the world.

There are special guided tours by the curators during the exhibition.