Al-Bīrūnī's mechanical calendar

Author: Hill, Donald

Source: Annals of Science, Volume 42, Number 2, March 1985 , pp. 139-163(25)

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Abstract:

This paper is concerned with a mechanical calendar described by the great scientist al-Bīrūnī, who died in 440/1048. The description occurs in a book devoted to the construction of various types of astrolabe and related instruments. The Arabic text presented in this paper was prepared from three manuscripts. This is preceded by a brief introduction which gives a sketch of the life and works of al-Bīrūnī together with information about the provenance and contents of the three manuscripts. The text is followed by an English translation and the paper concludes with a technical commentary which discusses the construction and operation of the instrument. This commentary is accompanied by explanatory drawings reconstructed from al-Bīrūnī's descriptions. Photographs from the illustrations in the manuscripts are also provided.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00033798500200141

Affiliations: 1: Great Bookham, 3 Amey Drive, Surrey, KT23 4AL, England

Publication date: 1985-03-01

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