MS 129: Astronomical treatise known as Theorica Planetarum by an unknown author, 15th century
Item
Identifier: MS 129
Contents
This 15th century manuscript is a copy of an astronomical text known as the Theorica Planetarum, which was incredibly popular in the medieval period, and survives in over 200 manuscript copies. There has been much debate on the authorship of this text, and it has been attributed to Robert Grosseteste, and also Gerard of Cremona. However, it seems most likely that this text, of which MS 128 is a copy, is the work of an anonymous teacher of astronomy from about the mid-13th century. Given the apparent popularity of this particular text, evidenced by its supplementary inclusion in Sacrobosco's works that had become established as the core of the 13th-century astronomical curriculum, this Theorica Planetarum most likely was written shortly after the mid-13th century in a place where Sacrobosco's texts had already risen to prominence in the field of astronomy.
The text starts on f. 1r with the following words: Circulus ecentricus vel egresse cuspidis, and ends with: bicubitum vel tricubitum vel majoris quantitatis. Explicit theorica planetarum. Finis. on f. 14v.
Writing
Very fine italic script.
Illumination
Rubrics of Roman capitals in red, and one good burnished gold initial with vine-leaf scroll.
Dates
- 15th century
Language of Materials
Latin
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open to all. The manuscripts can be consulted in the Centre for Research Collections, Edinburgh University Main Library.
Extent
1 bound MS volume
Custodial History
Italian script and illumination, no marks of
ownership whatever. The number 1064 is on a label on the
cover.
Previous title
Title given to the manuscript in Catherine Borland’s catalogue: Theorica planetarium (Groseteste).
Previous reference
Laing 162
Bibliography
O. Pederson, 'The Origins of the Theorica Planetarum', Journal for the History of Astronomy Vol 12 (1981), pp. 113-23.
Physical Facet
Material: Vellum
Binding: Modern, lettered 'Theor. Plan.'
Collation: a4, b2 (wants 1 and 2), c4, d4=14.
Binding: Modern, lettered 'Theor. Plan.'
Collation: a4, b2 (wants 1 and 2), c4, d4=14.
Dimensions
17.15 cm X 12.07 cm
General
Secundo folio: [E]piciclus sive orbis
Foliation and number of lines to a page: ff. 14, 23 lines to a page.
Source
- Laing, David, 1793-1878 (antiquarian, bookseller, and librarian of the Signet Library) (Former owner, Person)
Repository Details
Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository
Contact:
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379
heritagecollections@ed.ac.uk
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379
heritagecollections@ed.ac.uk