000-190-000-947-C © National Museums Scotland |
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Astrolabe, owned by Robert Gordon of Straloch, Aberdeenshire
This brass astrolabe dates from the early 15th century. It was made in France, probably by Jean Fusoris (c. 1365-1436), and later owned by Robert Gordon (1580-1661) of Straloch in Aberdeenshire.
The photograph shows the front of the instrument with a projection plate, the rete, pin and rule all mounted. The rim is inscribed 'Robertus Gordonius'. There is a ring for suspension.
Robert Gordon made a major contribution to Scottish cartography by extensively revising the manuscript surveys of Timothy Pont (c.1565-c.1614) for publication by the Blaeus in Amsterdam.
Record details
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Online ID: |
000-190-000-947-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland T.1947.27 |
Date: |
c. 1460 Early 15th century
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Material: |
Inscription: Robertius Gordonius [on rim]
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What: |
Astrolabe
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Subject: |
3. ASTRONOMY, Astrolabes (Departmental Classification)
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Who: |
Gordon of Straloch (Owner)
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Where: |
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Event: |
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Description: |
Gordon of Straloch's astrolabe, probably dating from 1460, with Robertius Gordonius on rim
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References: |
- For Gordon's map-mapping contribution, see Royal Scottish Geographical Society, The Early Maps of Scotland to 1850. Edinburgh: 1973 pp 44-53, 138
- Macdonald, A. & Morrison-Low, A.D., A Heavenly Library: Treasures from the Royal Observatory's Crawford Collection. Edinburgh: Royal Observatory & NMS, 1994, p 25
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