Astrolabe Glossary and Notes

Womb

The hollow, circular depression in the centre of the mater formed by the raised limb and the back plate of the instrument. The various tympans and the rete fit inside the womb. The inside or back of the womb is often engraved. On Islamic instruments, the womb frequently bears a gazetteer. Astrological tables as well as additional stereographic projections are not uncommon on European astrolabes.
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