| Astronomical Manuscripts Viewing | State Library of Victoria | 5.30pm, 27 Nov | BOOKED OUT |
During the Signifying Nothing Timewell Lecture back in July, we highlighted a 13th Century manuscript of Ptolemy’s Almagest. In the first place, this manuscript is remarkable for the different types of numerals it uses, including different numerals for nothing (i.e., zeros). It is also remarkable for the philosophical attitude to empirical science that is expressed in the introduction, in the translations, and in the surrounding marginalia.
Most extraordinary of all, this 800-year-old manuscript somehow found its way south to the colony of Victoria, and so today it remains at the State Library of Victoria!
After the Timewell lecture, there was some interest in seeing the manuscript, and so we organised a viewing. The rare books curator, Anna Welch offered to introduce this manuscript among other related rare astronomical works in the collection.
We were not sure how much interest there would be. In fact, there was so much interest that the event booked out even before it was properly advertised. We are especially sorry for those students and members who missed out. Rest assured that, if this event is a success, then we will try to run a similar event at the State Library early next year. Keep an eye out by becoming a member or subscribing to this blog.
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