Astrolabe Catalogue

 

Small image of astrolabe back with rules or alidades removed. Click to enlarge.
Date ca. 1600
Maker Philippe Danfrie (?)
Place Paris (?)
Material Brass
Inventory no. 35082
Acquisition Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924

Back



The back contains 6 scales of the following types:
Type
(click to view scale details)
Range & Units Numbered Geometry Location
Degree 0 - 90, Degrees Every 5 degrees Circular, concentric The entire outer circle on the back of an astrolabe.
Zodiacal signs 0 - 30, Zodiacal divisions, equal or unequal Every 5  Circular, concentric Circular scale immediately inside the outer scale - refers to the full circle
Calendar First day of month - Last day of month, Days of year Every 5 and end of the month days Circular, eccentric Circular scale second in from the outer scale - refers to the full circle.
Shadow square 1 - 12, Fingers Every 3 fingers Box The upper two quadrants of the back of the instrument
Shadow square 1 - 12, Fingers Every 3 fingers Box The lower two quadrants of the back of the instrument
Windrose Direction   Inner Circular, concentric First circle within shadow square.
The back is inscribed:
Transcription Translation Notes Type
Midy South Direction
Occident West Direction
Septentrion North Direction
Orient East Direction
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