Baresch

[Linda]

Whether Kircher's interest in volcanoes was triggered by parts of the first letter of Barschius/Moretus seems like a highly challenging piece of speculation.

We don't know what was in this first letter.

Also, the timing is difficult. Kircher was already on a trip to Southern Italy with the Landgrave of Hessen when the first letter arrived (second half of 1637). That he only responded to it in early 1639 may suggest that he had not even seen it.

It was just speculation, i know nothing of the reason he did go, and the timing seemed convenient, but if he did not yet see it then, of course there would be no connection.