Astrolabe Catalogue

 

Front of astrolabe without rete or plates. Click to enlarge
Date ca. 1570
Maker Egnazio Danti
Place Florence
Material Gilt brass
Inventory no. 52209
Acquisition Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924

Throne

with s-shaped scroll work support(s). The throne is attached with a integrated base. Extension of back plate of mater.

Ring

The ring is of the simple, round cross-section type (i.e. simple plain ring made from a round rod or piece of metal) made of brass.

Shackle

Shackle of the square, ornate type (i.e. ornate box type shackle, frequently topped by a rotating pin)made of brass. The shackle resembles the square capitals on columns.

Mater

The mater and limb are of one-piece construction. . Scales on the limb:
Type Range & Units Numbered Geometry Location
Altitude 90 - 0 Degrees of arc Every 10 degrees degrees Circular, concentric outer
Equal hours 1 - 12 Times of day Every hour hours Circular, concentric outer2
Equal hours 1 - 24 Times of day Every hour hours Circular, concentric outer3

Womb


This is the only plate for this instrument. The womb is inscribed:
Content Translation Notes Type
F. EGNATIVS DANTES Maker's name appears below his coat of arms. Maker's signature
G.43 M.40 The latitude appears above crepuscular line. Latitude

Almucantars

Divisions Labelled Style
Divided every 2° from 0° to 90° Labelled every 6° with   (Modern) numerals Plain line.

Azimuths

Divisions Labelled Style
Divided every 5°  Labelled every 10° with   (Modern) numerals Plain line.

Circles

Type Labelled Style Notes
Equator Plain line.
Tropic of Cancer Plain line.
Tropic of Capricorn Plain line.

Lines

Type Labelled Description
Unequal hours Numbered (Numbers in Numbers, stamped script) (Modern), Plain line style.
Horoscopic (great) houses Numbered (Numbers in Numbers, stamped script) (IIII), Plain line style.
Crepuscule
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