As we can observe the image itself in content for “Air” is different in the two copies.ĥ. As is evident from this photo, the two copies are opened at the same section. In the 1777 copy however, the words and illustrations are fit in the same page.Ĥ. A main difference between the two, and the reason why the thickness is a huge difference, is due to the fact that in the 1672 copy the illustrations are on a different page from the words/definitions. Thus, the pages differ for the same exact content page.ģ. As mentioned the 1777 copy is 2 cm thick whereas the 1672 copy is 4 cm thick. Some sources suggest that the first version of this book was first illustrated with woodcuts, then copper and then woodcuts again.Ģ. To be specific the metal work is “Copper” cuts. In addition metal work can achieve cross-hatching and have smaller forms of shading whereas the woodcuts are more spaced out because if wood were to be carved so thinly it would break.

This is one of the main differences in understanding why the 1672 copy is done in metal work and the 1777 in woodcuts. One of the obvious differences whilst looking at the two books is that the 1672 has an outer layer rectangle which is proof that it was pressed down heavily at the printing press.

Orbis pictus canon press