Diagram from BL Harley 3647, f. 32

Initial 'N'(otandus) with pen-flourishing. In the lower margin is a diagram representing the Ptolemaic model for the motion of a superior planet: The centre of the outer circle, which is inscribed with 'zodiacus', is the earth ('centrum mundi'); next to it are the centres of the circles on which the epicycle moves ('centrum deferentis') and of the point around which the epicycle travels around the deferent ('centrum equantis'). Two lines emanate from the centre of the earth and enclose the epicycle. The points where the planet on the epicycle touches the lines are labelled 'statio prima' (in the West) and 'statio secunda' (in the East); the extreme points of the intermediary phases are identified as 'directio' and 'retrogradacio'. The diagram is in the margin of Sacrobosco, 'De sphaera' (chapter: 'De ordinis et motibus planetarum'). Image taken from f. 32 of Astronomical miscellany including Sacrobosco, 'De sphaera' (ff. 22-33); Solar tables for 1292-95 (ff. 61-62v); 'Theorica Planetarum' (ff. 81-88); canons for Toledan tables (ff. 97v-119v) and Toledan tables (ff. 120-194v). Written in Latin.

The "BL Harley Manuscript" refers to a collection of medieval manuscripts held in the British Library in London. The Harley Manuscripts are part of the larger collection known as the Harley Collection, which was assembled by Robert Harley (1661–1724) and his son Edward Harley (1689–1741). Robert Harley was a prominent English statesman and bibliophile, and he began amassing a vast collection of books and manuscripts in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

The Harley Manuscripts are known for their diversity and include a wide range of texts, including historical chronicles, illuminated manuscripts, legal documents, literary works, and scientific treatises. The collection contains over 7,000 manuscripts, and it is considered one of the most important manuscript collections in the British Library.

The Harley Manuscripts are numbered with the prefix "Harley," followed by a specific manuscript number. Each manuscript in the collection has its own unique content and history, and they cover a broad spectrum of topics and time periods. Some of the manuscripts in the collection are beautifully illuminated, with intricate illustrations and decorations.

diagram bl harley medieval manuscripts latin manuscript illuminated initials medieval manuscript illustrated books medieval miniatures ancient egypt ptolemaic period egypt british library

1300 - 1500

British Library

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Public Domain