Thread by @TeachingCodex

Our final #teachingcodex presentation for this panel is from Laure Miolo on 'Teaching with manuscripts and instruments'. She's brought an astrolabe with her!

Laure is a historian of late medieval Europe, specialising in manuscript studies and history of early libraries with a special focus on scientific books #teachingcodex

Those who specialise in medieval instruments tend to come from scientific background; those who work on MSS tend to be trained in history. Corresponding differences in teaching #teachingcodex

#teachingcodex Scientific manuscripts and astrolabes were used in conjunction.

#teachingcodex

#teachingcodex

#teachingcodex astrolabe and quadrant were most disseminated instruments

#teachingcodex instruments are required to model in 2/3D the motion of celestial bodies. It's easier for beginners to comprehend on sphere than in 2D

#teachingcodex Use manuscript evidence to show varied uses of astrolabe. Then use medieval instrument replica in class to e.g. work out sun's position on the ecliptic on 31 Jan.

Combination of MS and replica instrument in class facilitates better understanding #teachingcodex

#teachingcodex @mertonlib has the oldest surviving equatorium (from c.1350)! A treatise may correspond to it, preserved in two MSS, and edited by @Seb_Falk in 2016

@mertonlib @Seb_Falk #teachingcodex

@mertonlib #teachingcodex this diagram reproduces the same motions as the equatorium

@mertonlib #teachingcodex Teaching with MSS and instruments is necessary for history of science and to contextualise MSS. Sheds light on many aspects of medieval scientific practice. Introduce students to science of stars and scientific MSS

@threadreaderapp please unroll