[en] Solar surface rotation has been measured from sunspot drawings made in A.D. 1642-1644 and probable differences from present-day rates are found. The 17th century sunspots rotated faster near the equator by 3 or 4%, and the differential rotation between 0 and +-20⁰ latitude was enhanced by about a factor 3. These differences are consistent features in both spots and groups of spots and in both northern and southern hemispheres. It is presumed that this apparent change in surface rotation was related to the ensuing dearth of solar activity (the Maunder Minimum) which persisted until about 1715. (Auth.)