The crater of Strabo Forum, (southern Italy), c 1760.
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library
Hand-coloured etching by Peter Fabris (active 1768-1779), after his own drawing. Illustrated plate from William Hamilton's study of Italian volcanoes, 'Campi Phlegraei' (published in Naples, 1776). The crater of the ancient volcano Strabo Forum Vulcani isuing vapour. Oval in shape, and about 1500 feet in length and 1000 feet in width, this volcano had last erupted in 1198. Based on letters to the Royal Society, Hamilton's book is a seminal work on the nature and effects of volcanic explosions.