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oa Affecting the Cosmos: Astronomical Volvelles Within Apian's Cosmographia
- Brepols
- Publication: Centaurus, Volume 66, Issue 4, Jan 2024, p. 621 - 643
Abstract
In the collection of the John Rylands Library in Manchester, Shelfmark 2028.1 refers to a printed book titled the Cosmographia. This astronomical textbook was an edition published in 1550 by Peter Apian and edited by Gemma Frisius. When initially produced, the book included several preassembled printed volvelles (circular rotating paper instruments which were commonly used for instruction or calculation). However, when studying this item, a surprise awaits. Handmade manuscript volvelles have been created and inserted in place of the original printed volvelles. This item is unique and displays evidence of how the user engaged with and was affected by the interactive elements. This paper explores the provenance of the book through the marks and marginalia left by its previous owners, the handcrafted volvelles, and the additional creation of a “Moon Diall” on added endpapers. Using volvelles allowed knowledge to be shared through the senses, through seeing (visual thinking) and doing (material engagement). This paper asserts that volvelles enabled astronomical knowledge to become more widely accessible to different audiences.
