Astrolabe and Equatorium
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 15th century
This brass astrolabe (inventory 49847) dates to the late 15th century and is attributed to France. It serves as both an astrolabe and an equatorium, featuring a three-piece construction with a mater and limbs for both functions.
The instrument includes three plates with latitudes from 45° to 48°, a rete containing 29 stars, and a double-ended counter-changed alidade. The instrument was presented to the History of Science Museum by J. A. Billmeir in 1957.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- late 15th century
- Type
- Latin-inscribed astrolabe
- Material
- Brass
- Provenance
- Formerly the property of the d'Hauteville family
- Rete stars
- 29
- Acquisition
- Presented by J. A. Billmeir in 1957
- Inscription
- INICIV MORBI
- Throne style
- five-lobed
- Place recorded
- France (?)
- Place of origin
- France (?)
Design
- Visible features
- • Five-lobed throne with integrated base • Front of throne inscribed with 'INICIV MORBI' • Three plates provided for latitudes 45°-48° • Rete features labels for zodiacal signs in Latin
- Provenance and History
- The object was acquired by the History of Science Museum in 1957, having been presented by J. A. Billmeir, who purchased the piece between 1955 and 1957. Prior to this, it was held by the d'Hauteville family of Salon-de-Provence. The technical specifications of the plates, specifically the data for latitude 45°, suggest the instrument was intended for use in southern France or northern Italy.
- Construction and Design
- The instrument is constructed from brass and incorporates both astrolabe and equatorium functions within a three-piece mater and limb assembly. The mater is riveted to the womb plate and the back equatorium limb, which also integrates the front astrolabe limb. The throne is a five-lobed design with an integrated base; the front bears the Latin inscription "INICIV MORBI," while the rear is marked with two roughly scratched arrows for orientation. The instrument includes three separate plates, each covering a latitude range from 45° to 48°. The rete contains 29 stars and displays the zodiacal signs in Latin. The assembly is held together by a nut and bolt, the latter of which is considered a replacement. Additional components include a double-ended counter-changed alidade and a single-ended counter-changed rule for use with the equatorium.
- Functional Capabilities
- The front of the instrument functions as an astrolabe, featuring a womb plate marked with faint circles and quadrant-dividing lines. It is possible these were intended to support engraved tables or projections similar to those on the plates. The limb scales include equal hours (1-12) and a degree scale (0-90). The back of the instrument functions as an equatorium, designed to indicate planetary positions within the zodiac. The limb features a zodiacal scale. The associated rule remains incomplete, as one sighting vane is marked for pinholes but has not been pierced. The alidade remains rigid and includes two sighting vanes, although the instrument overall shows signs of incomplete finishing in its components.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 49847
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Maker and precise date of manufacture are not definitively established
- Research required: The bolt for the rete is identified as a likely replacement