BOOK CATALOG

 

The Astrolabe

by James E. Morrison
(Hard cover, 438 pp.)
Price: $125.00 USD

The Astrolabe is the most complete astrolabe treatise available. It includes the description, history, use, theory and design of all types of astrolabes and several related devices, updated to modern methods and terminology. Application of computers to astrolabe design and practical advice on making an inexpensive working astrolabe are included.

The Astrolabe is an invaluable reference for anyone with an interest in the history of science and astronomy, the use and history of scientific instruments and, of course, astrolabes. It is an introduction to pre-telescopic instruments for the novice, a reference for teachers and professionals, a guide for designing reproductions and a source for researchers.

The Astrolabe is not a book about specific instruments. It covers the principles and design details of each instrument type. A few pictures of old instruments are included, but only to show how the principles are applied.

The intent of The Astrolabe is to be clear, accurate and complete. Each topic is introduced in very basic terms and expanded with technical details as needed for more sophisticated subjects and applications. A summary of the latest historical research for each instrument and type of instrument is included.

Astrolabes are visual instruments and are best learned with a visual reference. There are more than 250 figures showing the details of each instrument and scale discussed.

The material on applications of computers to astrolabe design is unique. Most of the figures are computer produced and serve as examples of modern astrolabe design.

Also included are figures of the astrolabe components that can be copied and made into a working instrument.

Classical Science Press will also be offering a Collector’s Edition of this volume. The edition will be printed on very high-quality paper and the binding will be in calfskin or goatskin with raised bands, leather-embossed spine labels, and marbled boards.

Chapter 1 - The Astrolabe
Chapter 2 - A Concise History of the Astrolabe
Chapter 3 - The Stereographic Projection
Chapter 4 - The Planispheric Astrolabe Front
Chapter 5 - Drawing the Astrolabe Plate    
Chapter 6 - The Rete
Chapter 7 - The Rule
Chapter 8 - The Astrolabe Back
Chapter 9 - Sample Problems
Chapter 10 - The Astrolabe for Southern Latitudes
Chapter 11 - Calculation Summary
Chapter 12 - Universal Astrolabes
Chapter 13 - The Saphea Arzachelis
Chapter 14 - Orthographic Astrolabes
Chapter 15 - De la Hire's Astrolabe
Chapter 16 – Quadrants
Chapter 17 - The Astrolabe Quadrant
Chapter 18 - The Prophatius Quadrant
Chapter 19 - Gunter’s Quadrant
Chapter 20 - Sutton's Quadrant
Chapter 21 - Horizontal Instruments
Chapter 22 - Astrolabe Variations
Chapter 23 - Astrolabe Clocks
Chapter 24 - Astronomical Background
Chapter 25 - Astronomical Calculations
Chapter 26 - Computers and Astrolabes
Chapter 27 - Design, Layout and Fabrication