Dutch mathematician, map-drawer and publisher, born at Alkmaar, Holland, in 1571; died in 1638. His terrestrial and celestial globes excelled in beauty and accuracy everything that had preceded them. His son, Jan, commenced business on his own account at Amsterdam in 1637, but afterward entered into company with his brother, Cornelius (died 1650). He edited the well-known Atlas Major, in eleven volumes. This is a remarkable work, with many curious plates; and the maps are extremely valuable from the light they throw on local history. He further published a series of topographical plates and views of towns. Jan left three sons, two of whom carried on the business with success until about 1700. Some of their classical publications, especially Cicero’s Orationes (1699) are highly prized.
