Astrolabes /
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| Date | 1559 |
| Maker | Thomas Gemini |
| Place | London |
| Material | Brass |
| Inventory no. | 42223 |
| Acquisition | Transferred from the University Observatory, Oxford, in 1936 |
This astrolabe was made for Queen Elizabeth I. Made by the immigrant craftsman Thomas Gemini in the year of her coronation, it carries her coat-of-arms and the inscription 'Elizabeth Dei Gratia Angliæ Franciæ & Hiberniæ Regina etc.' It is possible - indeed likely - that it was commissioned by her court favourite Robert Dudley, the future Earl of Leicester. Dudley's household accounts for 1559 record a payment to Gemini for an unspecified but evidently substantial astronomical instrument.
From later inscriptions we know that the instrument was owned by John Greaves, Savilian Professor of Astronomy in Oxford, and was used by him in a journey to the Levant in 1637-40. It was presented to the University for the use of the Savilian Professors, by John's brother Nicholas Greaves.
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Mater
The mater and limb are of three pieces construction. Scales on the limb: equal hours scale; degree scale. More informationBack
The back contains 1 scales of the following types: Degree. The universal on the back contains 2 scales. More informationRete, Nut & Bolt
The rete contains 28 stars. The zodiac on the rete is labelled: Aries , Taurus , Gemini , [only the symbol is present] , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpius , Sagittarius , Capricornus , Aquarius , Pisces.The rete contains 1 scale of the following type: Ecliptic.
The rete is attached using a nut & bolt. Brass screw with washer thread into the arm on the back. More information
Rules & Alidades
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Alidade | Double-ended, counter-changed. |
| Alidade | Single-ended. Rule for use with the universal
planisphere. Slotted for a cursor and bracchiolus, which
are missing. |