English mystic and philosopher Robert Fludd studied medicine, chemistry, and the occult sciences and later became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. In his book Cosmic Meteorology (1626), he combined his observations of atmospheric phenomena with his thoughts on astrology. The book features this illustration by Swiss engraver Matthäus Merian entitled Catoptrum Meteoro Graphicum, or the ‘Great Meteorological Chart’, which includes representations of numerous meteorological phenomena. Here we see nubes (clouds) and nebula (fog and mist), along with various optical phenomena, including solar and lunar halos, rainbows, and parhelia.

According to Fludd’s medical speculations, the wind played a central role in determining our fortunes, as it could carry good influences from angels and bad influences from demons. The lower-left box of this illustration lists the phenomena that are sent for our ‘benefit’, which includes clouds, ice, and rain. The lower-right box lists phenomena that are sent for our ‘chastisement’, including lightning, hail, and demonic whirlwinds. And in the middle is a representation of humanity, a figure who seems to be gazing up at all of these phenomena, both good and evil, like a metaphysical cloudspotter.