Instruments for solving astronomical problems are part of a continuous
tradition reaching far back through the Middle Ages into the Hellenistic
world. Dr. Kennedy expands the history of analog computers by providing
an account of an important development in Central Asia where, in the
Samarqand observatory of the Timurid prince Ulugh Beg, an outstanding
mathematician of the fifteenth century invented his unique planetary
equatorium. With this mechanico-graphical device, Kashi determined
solar, lunar, and planetary true longitudes and predicted eclipses,
obtaining magnitude, time, and duration. His was the only equatorium
with which the determination of planetary latitudes was attempted. In
this sense it represents the apex of development reached by this class
of instrument. Dr. Kennedy here presents the text of the Persian
manuscript describing Kashi's instrument together with an English
translation and commentaryÃ?
Originally published in 1960.
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