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Analysis of the Practice with Two Astrolabic Quadrants from the 14^th Century Damascus and the 17^th Century London

"Portable quadrants are scientific instruments which were used for astronomy, surveying, maritime, and ballistics. In the service of astronomy, portable quadrants were prominent tools of timekeeping between 9th to 19th centuries, in addition to their functions for demonstrating / calculating the movements of heavenly bodies and probably teaching astronomy. Astrolabic quadrants are special types of portable quadrants, whose principles are obtained by folding twice the plates of another instrument named astrolabe. Al-Mizzī was an instrument-maker from Mamluk period who not only designed and used astrolabic quadrants, but also written manuscripts about them. 5 of his surviving quadrants in two variants remain in the museums. Henry Sutton (d. 1665) was an instrument-maker from England. The instruments attributed to him were described in John Collins’(d. 1683) manuscript. 13 of Sutton type quadrants in two variants remain in the museums. Edmund Gunter (d. 1626) was a mathematician, whose astrolabic quadrant design has more than 80 surviving samples with different features. In this study, we will technically analyse, reconstruct, and conduct practices with two well-founded astrolabic quadrants from the peaks of instrumental practice of 14^th century Damascus, Mamluk and 17^th century London, England."