Mathematics and Science

The Astrolabe

Another noteworthy Llhuroscian measuring instrument was the combination planispherical astrolabic torquetum. It bears a remarkable resemblance to the earliest working models made by Nasir ad-din at-Tûsi, the thirteenth century Islamic astronomer. In both the Llhuroscian and the Islamic torquetums, the plane projection of the sphere required the observer’s eye to be placed at the South Pole.

This complex Llhuroscian scientific device had many purposes: when the horizontal plate was oriented, it was possible to make measurements at azimuth (angles measured along the horizon); on the eastern rim of this plate one equitorial plate is hinged so that it could be raised to an angle equal to the complement of the latitude of the place where one was working; the curved phrenlix (a type of gnomon) threw shadows which were read in multiples of twenty-seven degrees, fifteen seconds. This complex division permitted a time measurement far more accurate than our prime meridian of Greenwich allows, because it was not limited to the plane of the ecliptic but measured finite convexities versus finite concavities in determining celestial latitudes. All other known astrolabes (sundials) use the singular solar reference.

12. We are indebted to Sir Llewelyn David Barrett, former director of the Greenwich Royal Observatory for an interesting sidelight on this solar clock which was found in the excavations at Kaipurn in 1965. Under his direction, a study of the mechanism of the Llhuroscian solar synchronous clock was based on a series of reconstructions carried out in military secrecy during World War II. At that time there was considerable expectation that some of the principles used in this Llhuroscian temple clock could be employed in effecting a finer synchronization of British time between England and Australia. The principal substitution in the reconstructions by the English astronomers was in the experimental use of infratimovisia gas in place of ammonia-a substitute whose molecular collisions are nonrandom. Set in motion by electrical emanations alternately from Eridanus and Reticulum, the Llhuroscian clock utilized the atomic vibrations in permanent nonchangeable patterns for absolute control of oscillation. Twentieth-century air pollution prevented Sir Llewelyn David Barrett from establishing episeismic rapport with much of the Southern Constellational frequencies.

Adapted from the original catalog for The Civilization of Llhuros, ©1971-2026 Cornell University, licensed under CC BY-NC