Geography anatomiz'd, or, The compleat geographical grammar being a short and exact analysis of the whole body of modern geography after a new and curious method / collected from the best authors and illustrated with divers maps by Pat. Gordon ...

§. 3. UPPER GERMANY.

THis Country (containing only a part of Ancient * 1.1 Germany as also a little of Gaul, Illyricum, with some of Old Italy) is term'd by the Italians Alta Allemagna; by the Spaniards, Ale••••nia al••a; by the French, Haute Allemagne; by the Germans, Overteutschland; and by the English, Germany: Why so call'd, is much Controverted by our Modern Criticks, some Ger∣man Authors being willing to derive its Etymology from words in their own Language as ••••or-mannen, i. e. very much Men. Others from Geren signifying to Gather, because the Germans seem'd to be an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of many Nations; others from Gar and Man, to denote that

they were a Warlike People. Some (tho' with little ground) would fain allow it an Hebrew Derivation: But the most probable Opi∣nion of all is, that the Inhabitants of this Country were called Ger∣mani by the Romans, either because they were a sincere and honest sort of People, or thereby to denote that they were Brothers to their Neighbours the Gaules.

The Air of this Country differeth considerably accord∣ing to the Situation of the various Parts of this large Con∣tinent. * 1.2 Towards the North, it's generally very Cold; but in the Southmost Provinces it's of the same Temper as in those places of France which lie under the same Parallels. The opposite Place of the Globe to Germany, is that part of the vast Pacifick Ocean between 215 and 225 Degrees of Longitude, with 45 and 55 Degrees of South Latitude.

The Soil of this Country (it lying in the 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th North Climate) is very different according * 1.3 to the Situation of its different Parts. In the Southern Circles, as also those in the middle part of the Continent, particu∣larly the Upper and Lower Rhine, there is hardly any Country in the World can excel them for plenty of Fruits, Corn and Wine: but towards the North, namely the two Saxonies and Westphalia, the Soil is not near so fertile, especially in Wine (Grapes never coming to full perfection there;) however as for Corn and Pasturage, they are abundantly furnisht with them; and the whole Country in the main is tollerably pleasant, healthful and profitable, abounding not only with all things necessary, but also with many of the Comforts of hu∣man Life. The longest Day in the North-most Part is about 17 Hours ¼. The shortest in the South-most, 8 Hours ½, and the Nights pro∣portionably.

The chief Commodities of this Country are Corn, Metals, Allom, Salt, Wine, Flesh, Linnen, Quicksilver, * 1.4 Armours, and Iron Works, &c.

What Things do mostly merit the Epithet of Rare and Curious in this vast Country, are reducible to these * 1.5 following Heads; viz. (1.) Some very observable Springs; as That near Geesbach in Alsace, whose Top is covered with a foul fat Oily substance, ordinarily us'd by the Peasants thereabouts, as common Wheel Grease; Another near Paterborn in Westphalia, call'd Methorn, which hath three Streams very different from one another, both in Colour, Tast, and Qualities; and a Third in the Diocess of Pater∣born, observable in that it loseth it self twice every 24 Hours, returning always back at the Interval of 6 Hours, and that with such Violence as to drive three Mills not far from its Source. Here also are many Salt Springs; particularly That near Lunenburg, in the D. of Lunenburg; another at Hall in Upper Saxony, and a third at Saltzwedel in the

Marquisate of Brandenburg. To these we may add a vast multitude of Springs, whose Waters are highly priz'd both for Purging and Bathing, especially the latter; as particularly Those at Stugart in Wirtenburg; Those at Aix le Chapelle in Westphalia; and those in the Marquisate of Baden, from whence the whole Country derives its Name. (2.) Some strange kind of Lakes; particularly that in Car∣niola, call'd the Zirchnitzer-Sea, in length about two German miles, and one broad; Observable for its many subterraneous Caves and Passages, into which both the Water and Fishes of the Lake do yearly retire in the month of June, and return again about September. As also another in Suabia; the Nature of whose Waters is such, that they actually singe Fishing-Nets, when sunk to the bottom. (3.) Re∣markable Caves, particularly that near Blackenburg in Lower Saxony, commonly call'd Buman's Hole; of which none hath yet found the End, tho' many have travell'd a vast way into it on purpose to come at the same. Another call'd Grotto-Popetschio, with many other sub∣terraneous Caverns in Carniola, near the Zirchnitzer-Sea above-men∣tion'd And finally that near Hamelen (about 30 miles from Hanover) at whose mouth stands a Monument expressing the Loss of 130 Chil∣dren, who were swallowed up alive in that very place above 400 Years ago. (4.) Stately Edifices, especially some famous Cathedrals, as particularly those of Strasburg and Magdeburg, (in the latter of which are 49 Altars) as also that of Ulm, Remarkable for its curious Organ so much talked off, it being 93 Foot high, and 28 broad; being likewise furnish'd with 16 pair of Bellows, and having Pipes of such a prodigious Bigness, that the largest of them is 13 In∣ches Diameter. (5.) Some Observable Rocks and Stones, particularly those two Rocks nigh to Blackenburg (above-mention'd) which na∣turally represent two Monks in their proper Habits, and that as exact∣ly as if design'd for such; and near to Blackenburg, are several Stones dug out of the Ground, having on them the Representation of di∣vers Animals, especially Fishes in a neighbouring Lake; and some∣times the Resemblance of a Man. In another Lake, in the Earldom of Mansfeild, are Stones exactly shap'd like Frogs and various sorts of Fishes. Add to these the Remarkable Stones commonly found upon Count Calenberg (about two German miles from Vienna) having the lively Impression of Trees and Leaves of Trees upon them: As also a Quarry in those Parts, out of which are dug some Stones equally transparent with refin'd Sugar-Candy. (6.) Many choice Cabinets of Rarities, especially That in the Palace of Inspruck, with another at Dresden; but the chief of all is that in the Emperour's Palace at Vi∣enna, whose Curiosities are so vastly numerous, that a bare Catalogue of them makes a compleat Volume in Folio. To all these add that modern Curiosity kept at Mentz, and commonly shewn to Strangers, viz. a Leaf of Parchment, on which are fairly written twelve different

sorts of Hands, with variety of Minatures and Draughts, curiously done with a Pen, and that by one Thomas Schuveiker, who was Born without Hands, and perform'd the same with his Feet. As for the famous Tun of Heidelberg (being 31 Foot long and 21 high) 'tis so notoriously known, that we need say nothing of it.

Arch-Bishopricks in this Country are those of * 1.6

• ...Mentz,
• ...Magdeburg,
• ...Triers,
• ...Saltzburg,
• ...Cologn,
• ...Bremen.
• ...Prague.

Bishopricks in this Country are those of * 1.7

• ...Metz,
• ...Brandenburg,
• ...Paderborn,
• ...Brixen,
• ...Toul,
• ...Havelberg,
• ...Constance
• ...Gurk,
• ...Verdun,
• ...Spire,
• ...Halberstadt
• ...Vienna,
• ...Liege,
• ...Worms,
• ...Bamburg
• ...Newstadt,
• ...Munster,
• ...Strasburg,
• ...Freisenghen
• ...Lubeck,
• ...Minden,
• ...Wirtzburg,
• ...Ratisbon
• ...Ratzburg,
• ...Osnaburg,
• ...Aichstat,
• ...Passaw
• ...Scheweirin,
• ...Meissen,
• ...Verden,
• ...Chiemse
• ...Olmutz,
• ...Maesburg,
• ...Ghur,
• ...Seckaw,
• ...Leutmeritz,
• ...Maumburg,
• ...Heldesheim,
• ...Lavant,
• ...Koningsgratz.

Universities in this Country are those of * 1.8

• ...Vienna,
• ...Leipsick,
• Francfort on Oder,
• ...Helmstadt,
• ...Prague,
• ...Erfurt,
• ...Marpurg,
• ...Sigen,
• ...Mentz,
• ...Friburg,
• ...Strasburg,
• ...Paderborn,
• ...Cologn,
• ...Ingoldstadt,
• ...Gipswald,
• ...Altorfe,
• ...Triers,
• ...Tubingen,
• ...Dillinghen,
• ...Olmutz,
• ...Liege,
• ...Rostock,
• ...Jena,
• ...Kiel,
• ...Heidelberg,
• ...Wittenberg,
• ...Lewenghen,
• ...Gratz.

This People hath a mighty Genius for Mechanical sort of Learning; and several of them are famous for * 1.9 some singular Inventions, particularly that of the fatal Instrument the Gun, accidentally discovered by one Bartholdus Swart a Friar, when making a Chimical Experiment with a Crucible set over the Fire, having Saltpetre and Sulphur, and other such like In∣gredients, intermixt. They are also said to have found out that most useful Art of Printing; but the Hollanders do eagerly deny them the honour of that Invention, ascribing the same to one Laurence

Coster of Harlem; and upon strict enquiry, it appears that the Germans had indeed the first hint of this Art from Holland, and that they only improv'd and perfected the same at Mentz. The most noted of the many mechanical Operations of this People of late, is that curious Watch of the Emperour Charles the Fifth, set in the Jewel of his Ring; as also that Clock of the Elector of Saxony's fixt in the Pom∣mel of his Saddle. As for the Iron Fly and Wooden Eagle of Regio∣montanus, they are so well known, that it's superfluous even to name them.

The Language here us'd is that call'd the High Dutch; a Language very Ancient, and generally esteem'd both * 1.10 Noble and Manly in the Pronunciation, more becoming a General than a Courtier. None of the Western European Tongues hath less Affinity with the Latin than it has. The Maternal Langua∣ges of several Kingdoms and different States in Europe, are Originally from the German. It's now divided into a great many Dialects, very different from one another; The purest of which is generally e∣steem'd that spoken in Misuia. Pater-Noster in the High German runs thus: Unser Vatter der du bist in himmel, geheyliget werde dein Nahim. Zukomm uns dein Ritch; dein Wille geschene uf erden, wte im himmel. Unser taeglich brodt gibbuns heut: und vergibuns unser schuldt, als wir ver∣goben unsern schuldigern; und fuchr uns nicht in Versuchung; sonder erlaese uns vom ubel. Amen.

This great Body comprehends above three hundred different Soveraignties, but all (or most of them) are Homagers to one Head, own'd as Supream, viz. the * 1.11 Emperour of Germany. The Empire is Elective, and Go∣vern'd by Dyets, almost like the General Estates of France. The standing Law of the Empire (which bindeth all the several States as the various members of one Body) is the Civil or Roman mix'd with the Canon; to which add the ancient Customs of the Germans, and the various Statutes of the Dyets made from time to time. The se∣veral States have their peculiar Laws obligatory within themselves. The whole Empire being divided into Ten Circles, each of them (excepting Belgium, or the Circle of Burgundy, which now is allow'd no Vote in the Dyet) hath one or more Directors who preside at their Assemblies; viz. For Westphalia, the Bishop of Munster and Duke of Neuburg are Directors. For Lower Saxony, are the Marquess of Brandenburg and Duke of Brunswick by turns. For Upper Saxony is the Elector of Saxony. For the Lower Rhine are the Elector Palatine and Bishop of Worms. For Franconia, are the Bishop of Bamberg and Marquess of Gulemback. For Suabia, are the Duke of Wirtenberg, and Bishop of Constance. For Bavaria, are the Elector of Bavaria, and Arch-Bishop of Saltzburg. And lastly Austria, its Director is the Arch-Duke of Austria, or his Imperial Majesty. Two or three Circles may

meet when one of them is attackt from without, or in any Confu∣sion within. The General Dyets consist of three Bodies, viz. Electo∣ral Princes, other Princes, and Imperial Cities. But more particularly; In this great Body we may reduce all Soveraignties to these Five; namely,

• The Emperour,
• The Ecclesiastick Princes,
• The Electors,
• The Secular Princes,
• The Free Cities.

I. The Emperour, who (being of the House of Austria) doth claim three sorts of Dominion, viz. that of Austria as Hereditary; Bohe∣mia, as his Right; and Hungary by Election. In his Life-time he causeth his own Son or Brother, or (failing of these) one of his nearest Kinsmen to be Crowned King of Hungary, afterwards King of Bohemia, and then (if the Electors are willing) he is also Chosen King of the Romans, whereby he is Successor Presumptive to the Em∣pire. The Power of the Emperour is much impar'd by several Ca∣pitulations betwixt him and the Princes of the Empire. It's true, that only he can confer Honours, create Princes, affranchize Cities, institute Universities, and such-like: Yet as to the Legislative Power, and that of Levying Taxes upon the whole Empire, that is wholly lodg'd in the General Dyet conjunctly with him; and by a late Capi∣tulation, he is not to enter into Alliance, or make War with any Fo∣reign Prince without Consent of the Electors. However, if we con∣sider only his own Hereditary Dominions, he is a Powerful Prince; and to support the Grandeur of the Imperial Dignity, he is served by the greatest Princes of the Empire; is addressed unto by the Au∣gust Title of Caesar, and the Ambassadors of all Crown'd Heads and Free States in Europe, give place to those sent by him, at what Fo∣reign Court soever it be.

II. Electors, who are now Nine in Number, viz. these following: (1.) The Arch-Bishop of Mentz, who is Great Chancellor of the Empire in Germany; sits on the Emperour's right hand in the Dyet, and did formerly Crown the King of Bohemia. (2.) The Arch-Bishop of Triers or Treves, who is Great Chancellor of the Empire in France; claims the first Vote in Electing the Emperour; and sits over against him in the Dyet. (3.) The Arch Bishop of Cologn, who is Great Chan∣cellor of the Empire in Italy; claims the first Vote in choosing the King of the Romans; setting the Crown on his Head; and sits next the Emperour. (4.) The King of Bohemia (who hath only a Seat in the Election) is Cup-bearer, and in the publick Procession, walks next the Emperour or King of the Romans. (5.) The Duke of Bavaria, who is Great Steward, and in time of the publick Procession car∣rieth the Globe before the Emperour. (6) The Duke of Saxony, who is Great Marshal of the Empire, and at the publick Procession

carrieth the naked Sword before the Emperour. (7.) The Marquess of Brandenburg, who is great Chamberlain, and at the publick Pro∣cession, carrieth the Scepter before the Emperour. (8) The Prince Palatine of the Rhine, who is Great Treasurer, and in the Procession at Coronations scattereth Medals among the People. (9.) The Ninth Elector is Ernestus Augustus Duke of Brunswick, Lunenburg, Hanover, who was added to the Electoral Colledge in the Year 1693. These Princes have much greater Authority, and enjoy, more ample Priviledges than the other Princes of the Empire. To them belong∣eth not only a Right of electing the Emperour and King of the Ro∣mans (as aforesaid) but also some allow them even a Deposing Power. When the Emperour calls a Dyet, he is oblig'd to ask their advice; and during an Interreign, two of them (viz. the Elector of Saxony and Prince Palatine of the Rhine) have Power to govern the Empire; the Jurisdiction of the former extending over the Northern, and that of the others over the Southern Circles of the Empire: but this Right of the Count Palatins is now disputable by the Elector of Bavaria, who upon the Death of the last Emperour did actually undertake and exercise the same.

III. Ecclesiastick Princes who (besides the first three Electors) are chiefly these following, viz. Arch-Bishop of Saltzburagt [Great Ma∣ster of the Teutonick Order] the Bishops of Liege, Munster, Spire, Worms, Wurtzburg, Strasburg, Osnaburg, Bamberg, Paderborn, &c. and many Abbots and Abesses who are Absolute over the Temporality of their Benefices; The Election to their various Dignities belong wholly to their several Chapters, and they govern the People in subjection to them as Soveraign Princes, without any cognizance of a higher Power.

IV. Secular Princes, who are chiefly the Dukes of Lunenburg, Wur∣temburg, Mechlenburg, Sax-Lauenburg, &c. Marquess of Baden, Culem∣bach, &c. The Landgrave of Hess, Princes of East-Friezland, Nassau, Anhalt, &c. Counts of Solms, Aversburg, &c. and many other Dukes, Marquesses and Landgraves; as also some Earls and Barons who ex∣ercise a Soveraign Power over those in their own Dominions.

V. Free Cities, which are either Imperial or Hans-Towns. Imperial Cities are those who bear the Eagle of the Empire in their Arms, and have Right to send their Deputies to the Dyet of the Empire. Hans-Towns are those which about the End of the 13th Century entred into a firm League of mutually assisting one another in time of Di∣stress, as also in carrying on such a Regular Commerce as might uni∣versally tend to their advantage, and the publick good of the Empire; which Society encreased to the Number of eighty Cities, who en∣joy'd great Priviledges, and exercis'd a peculiar Jurisdiction among themselves. For the better Administration of which, they were di∣vided into four Circles, distinguish'd by the Names of four prin∣cipal

Cities, in which were establisht their Courts of Judicatory, viz. Lubeck, Cologn, Brunswick, and Dantzick. But this Society hath been on the declining hand almost two hundred Years, and is now become very inconsiderable.

Chief Courts in Germany for hearing and determining the great Causes of the Empire, are two, viz. The Imperial Chamber, and Chamber of Vienna. (1.) The Imperial Chamber (consisting of fifty Judges, call'd Assessors, whereof the Emperor appointeth the Presi∣dent, and four of the Principal Officers, each of the Electors chu∣sing One, and the rest being nominated by the other Princes and States of the Empire) whose business is to determine all Disputes which arise from time to time between the Princes, as also other Causes brought thither by Appeal from Inferior Courts. The Seat of this Judicatory was formerly at Spires, but now at Wetslar in Hesse. (2.) The Chamber of Vienna, whose Office it is also to decide all Causes brought to it by Appeals from Inferior Courts, and claims the same Authority with the Chamber of Spires. The Seat of this Court is the Emperor's Palace, and either he himself, or his Deputy sits as Chief, being assisted by a competent number of Judges, whereof several are Professors of the Protestant Religion. In both those Courts the Emperor as Sovereign, Judge, and Pre∣sident, pronounceth Sentence when there in Person; and in his Absence, those deputed by him, who representing himself are al∣low'd to carry the Imperial Scepter as a Mark of their Dignity. In particular Courts they follow the Laws of the Empire, which con∣sist in many Ancient Constitutions; the Golden-Bull; the Pacification of Passaw; as also the Treaties of Westphalia in the Saxon-Law establish'd by Charlemain; and the Roman by the Emperor Justinian; which last they observe wheresoever the Saxon has not been receiv'd. All Princes, States, and Members of the Empire have (and actually exercise) a Sovereign Power within their own Territories, except in some particular Cases, wherein People may Appeal either to the Imperial Chamber of Spires, or that at Vienna, commonly call'd the Aulic Council.

After the Government of Germany, we may add that of

• ...Switzerland.
• ...Geneva.

I. Switzerland (a large Commonwealth, consisting of several little ones, viz. Thirteen Cantons, every one of them being abso∣lute within their own Jurisdiction) is under a Popular Govern∣ment in the main, yet not strictly so in respect of every particular Canton, those of Bern, Zurich, and Lucern, being more properly

under an Aristocracy than any other, since the Authority of the Gentry doth most prevail in them. However, the whole Body of the State, consider'd as one Complex Republick, consisteth of three distinct Parts, viz. The Switzers themselves distributed (as afore∣said) into Thirteen Cantons. Secondly, Those States Confederate with them for their Common Liberty and Protection. And Third∣ly, The Prefectures subject to them, whether by Gift, Purchase, or Chance. (1.) The Body of the Cantons, is govern'd by each Can∣ton having its particular Magistrate of their own chusing; by whom (with a standing Council consisting of Persons elected out of the People) all particular Controversies of the Canton are heard and dertermin'd. But when any Publick Cause occurs, which relates to all the Cantons, then each of them sends its Com∣missioner to the General Diet, (which ordinarly meets at Baden) where every Canton hath one Vote, and Matters are determin'd by the major part. (2.) Confederate States; The Chief of which (besides Geneva) are the Grisons, an adjacent Commonwealth, go∣vern'd in like manner as the Switzers. Of all the Allies of the Swit∣zers, there's none more Potent than these. They entred first into a League one with another, Anno 1471. and afterwards with the Switzers in 1491. Their Country lies among inaccessible Moun∣tains, and hideous Precipices, and they divide themselves into six Parts, viz. The Grey League. The League of the House of God. The League of the Ten Jurisdictions. The Valteline. And lastly, the Countries of Chiavana and Bormio. Some believe they deriv'd the Title of Grisons from the Custom of wearing Grey Scarfs, when first they entred into the League together. (3.) Prefectures of the Swit∣zers, particularly those Countries and Cities of Baden and Sargans, with many other Towns and Villages situated nigh unto, or among the Alps.

II. Geneva being a Free Republick, is govern'd by its own Magistrates, and is in Confederacy with the Cantons of Switzer∣land, whom it resembles very much in the Constitution of its Government. The Sovereignty of the State is lodg'd in a Council of Two hundred, out of which a lesser Council consisting of Twen∣ty five is chosen (both which being for Life, serve for Checks one to another) and finally out of these Twenty five, are elected four Principal Officers, whom they call the Syndicks, who have the sole Management of the Commonwealth, except it be in some great Matter, as making of Peace or War, Offensive or Defen∣sive Leagues, hearing Appeals, and such like General Concerns, which is the Business of the Great Council to consider and deter∣mine.

The Emperor of Germany for Armorial Ensigns bears Quarterly. 1. Barwise, Argent and Gules of eight * 1.12 Pieces, for Hungary. 2. Argent, a Lion, Gules, the Tail noved, and passed in Saltier, Crowned, Langed, and Armed, Or, for Bohemia. 3. Gules, a Fesse Argent, for Austria. Party and bendwise, Argent and Azure, a border Gules, for Ancient Burgundy. 4. Quarterly in the first and last Gules a Castle triple towered Or, pur••led Sable, for Castile. In the second and third Argent, a Lion purple, for Leon. The Shield crested with an Imperial Crown, closed and raised in shape of a Miter, having betwixt the two Points a Diadem surmounted with a Globe and Cross, Or. This Shield environed with a Coller of the Order of the Golden Fleece, is plac'd on the Breast of an Eagle, displayed Sable in a Field, Or, Diadem'd, membred and beck'd Gules, holding a naked Sword in the right Talon, and a Scepter in the left. The two Heads signify the Eastern and Western Empire; and for the Motto are these words, Uno avulso non deficit alter. But the Emperor's peculiar devise is, Pax & salus Europae.

The Laws of the Empire give free Toleration to the publick Exercise of three Religions, viz. the Lu∣theran, * 1.13 Calvinist, and Popish; and in some Places all three Parties celebrate Divine Worship in one and the same Church, at different times of the Day, as among others, at Manheim in the Palatinate, before it was ruin'd by the French. The Reformation of Religion was begun here by Martin Luther about 1517. and embrac'd by the Electors of Saxony, Brandenburg, Prince Palatine of the Rhine, Landgrave of Hesse, the Duke of Brunswick, and most of the Free Cities. Whereupon followed continual Wars and Trou∣bles about Religion, and the Lands of the Church, which the Protestants had possess'd themselves of, till at last, by the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. 'twas concluded, That they of the Confes∣sion of Ausburg should not be molested in any manner whatsoever; but to be secur'd from all Prosecutions of Law and Violence. In this Posture things continued, till of late, that the French King broke in upon the Empire, and took so many Towns and Cities of it: In all which he dispossess'd the Protestants of their Rights, and establish'd the Exercise of the Roman Religion. And this he hath endeavour'd to confirm by the last Treaty at Reswick, where his Plenipotentiaries in Conjunction with the Emperor's, prevail'd to insert into the said Treaty a Clause, whereby 'tis agreed, That the Roman Catholick Religion shall remain within the Places restor'd by France to the Emperor and Empire, in the same Condition as 'tis exercis'd at present. And though the Pro∣testants long contested, and at last sign'd the Treaty, with a Pro∣testation,

that the Clause in dispute should not be drawn into pre∣cedent for the future; yet there's too great Reason to fear that the Popish Party hath gain'd a considerable Advantage in this Point. The various Parts of this Country receiv'd the Light of the blessed Gospel at various times, and that by the preaching of va∣rious Apostles, especially St. Thomas, Sirnamed Didymus, one of the Twelve,

Notes

• * 1.1

  Name.
• * 1.2

  Air.
• * 1.3

  Soil.
• * 1.4

  Commodities.
• * 1.5

  Rarities.
• * 1.6

  A. Bishopricks.
• * 1.7

  Bishopricks.
• * 1.8

  Universities.
• * 1.9

  Manners.
• * 1.10

  Language.
• * 1.11

  Govern∣ment.
• * 1.12

  Arms.
• * 1.13

  Religion.