planispheric astrolabe
Date: circa 1590
Inventory Number: DW0599
Classification: Astrolabe
Subject:
Maker: Persian
Dimensions:
19.6 x 14.9 x 3.1 cm (7 11/16 x 5 7/8 x 1 1/4 in.)
DescriptionThis planispheric astrolabe is made of brass and has projections for 7 latitudes.
The front rim of the mater is divided. In the well of the mater is a stereographic projection for a given latitude and lines for unequal hours. The back side of the mater has a crack with a repair. The limb is divided into 1° units. There are concentric scales for the zodiacal and civil calendars, and these are divided into units of 1° and days. The upper right and upper left quadrants are plain except for a crescent moon shape. The lower right quadrant has a shadow square. The lower left quadrant is plain.
The rete has 27 stars. The zodiacal scale on the ecliptic is divided every 3°. The reverse side shows construction marks from a prior attempt.
The rule is plain.
The alidade has pin-hole sights.
The bolt has a flower head on the top and "pleated hat" on the other end. The horse is shaped like the figure of a horse.
There are three typmans. Each is notched. There are two stereographic projections on each tympan, giving a total of six. All are for low latitudes. All show unequal hours. One has the astrological houses marked, and has inlaid silver prayer lines.
The front rim of the mater is divided. In the well of the mater is a stereographic projection for a given latitude and lines for unequal hours. The back side of the mater has a crack with a repair. The limb is divided into 1° units. There are concentric scales for the zodiacal and civil calendars, and these are divided into units of 1° and days. The upper right and upper left quadrants are plain except for a crescent moon shape. The lower right quadrant has a shadow square. The lower left quadrant is plain.
The rete has 27 stars. The zodiacal scale on the ecliptic is divided every 3°. The reverse side shows construction marks from a prior attempt.
The rule is plain.
The alidade has pin-hole sights.
The bolt has a flower head on the top and "pleated hat" on the other end. The horse is shaped like the figure of a horse.
There are three typmans. Each is notched. There are two stereographic projections on each tympan, giving a total of six. All are for low latitudes. All show unequal hours. One has the astrological houses marked, and has inlaid silver prayer lines.
In Collection(s)
Signedunsigned
Curatorial RemarksXRF analysis of the metals was done by Katherine Eremin and Sara Schechner in August 2007.
On Gillingham inventory, April 5, 1949, typescript p. 11: "Astrolabe. Arabian, 5, 3/4 inches diam. with horse pin. Mercator, Paris, 1930. 8,000 fcs. 350."
On Gillingham inventory, April 5, 1949, typescript p. 11: "Astrolabe. Arabian, 5, 3/4 inches diam. with horse pin. Mercator, Paris, 1930. 8,000 fcs. 350."
Primary SourcesHarrold Edgar Gillingham Papers, Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, Harvard University.
ProvenanceMercator (Gertrude Hamilton), Paris, 1930; Harrold E. Gillingham, Philadelphia, 1930; David P. Wheatland, Topsfield, MA, 1949; gift to CHSI, c. 1985.