Astrolabe Catalogue

 
astrolabe, inventory number 33474 from Tatta, 1666/7
thumbnail for astrolabe (front), inventory number 33474 from Tatta, 1666/7
thumbnail for astrolabe (back), inventory number 33474 from Tatta, 1666/7
thumbnail for astrolabe (rete front), inventory number 33474 from Tatta, 1666/7
Date1666/7
MakerMuḥammad Ṣāliḥ Tatawī
PlaceTatta
MaterialBrass
Inventory no.33474
AcquisitionPresented by J. A. Billmeir in 1957

One remarkable feature of this astrolabe in the extensive gazeteer engraved in the womb of the mater. Here three concentric circular tables give the longitudes and latitudes of no less than 133 towns, all of them in the Muslim world.

View all images for this astrolabe
View detailed provenance for this astrolabe

Throne, Ring and Shackle

The throne is of the indo-persian, pierced type made of brass attached with integrated base made of brass and has a simple, round cross-section ring made of brass and eye-bolt type shackle made of brass . More information

Mater

The mater and limb are of one-piece construction. The tab that holds the tympans in place is located at the bottom of the instrument, i.e., 180° from the throne. Scales on the limb: degree scale.

The limb is inscribed: with a maker's signature marked as عمل محمد صالح تتوى سنه ٧٧٧ (The work of Muḥammad Ṣāliḥ Tatawi, year 777). The date on this inscription is almost certainly a mistake. One suggestion is that it should read ١٠٧٧ (1077), which has been accepted as the correct year.

More information

Back

The back contains 12 scales of the following types: Altitude; Declination; Unequal hours; Sine/Cosine; Cotangent; Zodiacal signs; Lunar Mansions; Shadow square. More information

Rete, Pin & Wedge

The rete contains 0 stars.
The rete is attached using a pin & wedge. There is a thick washer between the horse and the rete. More information

Plates

There are 6 plates with latitudes ranging from 18°0' to 66°0' . More information

Rules & Alidades

Type Details
AlidadeDouble-ended.
More information

 

MHS Home | Contact Us | ©2006 Museum of the History of Science