Astrolabe

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A classical instrument modelling the universe. Astrolabes are made up of a series of finely crafted metal disks and spinning dials. They could be used for a range of calculations including altitude and latitude. This multipurpose tool was used in many different settings such as surveying, astronomy, maritime voyages, and triangulation.

Book open at a page showing woodcut scientific illustrations and an image of an astronomer using a sextant or astrolabe against the night sky. Pages of woodcut Latin text.