Astrolabe Catalogue

 

Front of astrolabe without rete or plates. Click to enlarge
Date 1227/8 (A.H. 625)
Maker ‘Abd al-Karīm al-Miṣrī
Place Cairo (?)
Material Brass
Inventory no. 37148
Acquisition Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924

Throne

The throne is of the indo-persian type . The throne is attached with a integrated base. Ornately decorated with gold and silver damascene foliate work.

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).

Shackle

Shackle of the omega type (i.e. Ω-shaped shackle). The shackle has triangular-shaped tabs.

Mater

The mater and limb are of one-piece construction. The limb is cracked at the bottom of the instrument, 180° from the throne. This is the location of the notch that accepts the tympan tabs. Scales on the limb:
Type Range & Units Numbered Geometry Location
Degree 0 - 360 Degrees of arc Every 5 degrees Circular, concentric None

The limb is inscribed:
Content Translation Notes Type
[along entire limb] [ pending ] None

Womb


Contains a tablet of horizons.
The womb contains 1 scales of the following types:
Type Range & Units Numbered Geometry Location
Table of Horizons 12 - 89 Degrees of latitude Every 1 degrees None None
MHS Home | Contact Us | ©2006 Museum of the History of Science