Medieval Astronomy

Absence of Geometric Models in Medieval Chinese Astronomy

In 718 A.D., Ch’üt’an Hsi-ta (Gautama Siddhārtha), an Indian astronomer who was appointed an“astronomer royal” in the T’ang court compiled a compendium of omens and divinations, called K’aiyüan Chan-ching, analogous to Varahamihira’s Br .hatsam. hita. The 104th volume of this work, Chiu-chih li (Nine Upholders Calendrical System) on astronomy was entirely based on the Indian astronomy of the 7t...

Medieval Matching Markets1

This paper presents insights on the market microstructure of the late Middle Ages. In particular it looks into the institution of the broker on medieval markets and fairs. It argues that the broker was a key player in the solution of a two-sided matching market problem. The broker’s obligation was to match sellers to buyers. Medieval market makers, i.e. the town o¢ cials set up rules for broker...

Medieval marriage and superstitions.

Popular astronomy.

The Springer-Praxis Popular Astronomy programme covers the latest observations, techniques and discoveries in astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology, selecting key topics designed to fire the imagination of keen astronomers everywhere. Many of the topics selected for titles in this programme are refreshingly new, and away from the accepted mainstream of titles published in this area. Topics inc...

Late Medieval Mysticism

both positive and negative; in the medieval world, however, it held a precise meaning, often also referred to as “contemplation” or “the contemplative life.” The mysticism of this period had some merits, but also some serious flaws in both theology and practice. In many respects, the mysticism of the medieval world derived from early Latin mysticism, which in turn evolved from an amalgamation o...