Relationship between astrolabe and calendar
Field and Wright, 'Gears from the Byzantines' p. 134 comment on the relation of the calendar to the astrolabe:
"The present central pin appears to be a replacement and we see no reason (pace Price) to suppose that in the original condition of the instrument the turning of the rete (with period corresponding to 24 hours) was communicated to the pinions on the central arbor (whose period corresponds to about seven and a half days). The periods are disparate and the rete would hardly make a suitable handle for turning the gears. It seems much more likely that the central arbor turned independently of the rete."
Other narratives:
- Astronomical mechanisms
- Geared astrolabe inscription
- Inventory no. 48213 - Former Display Label
- Oldest in the world
- Special Exhibition Label: 'Al-Mizan: Sciences and Arts in the Islamic World' (26/10/2010 - 20/03/2011)
- Exhibition Label - 'The Moon'; National Maritime Museum, 19 July 2019 - 5 January 2020