Arabic manuscript on astrology

Arabic manuscript on astrology

Astronomy blends into astrology in this anonymous 18th century text from Egypt: The tables contain calendar data for the Hijri and the Coptic calendar, since the latter is of particular importance for agriculture, because of its alignment with the solar year. The notes on the margins contain a plethora of practical information, from the time to sow cotton, to inauspicious days because of pests and insects, as well as historical data about Nawruz. Note the shape of the numerals, which differ from the Eastern Arabic numerals in use today.

Astrology

18th century