Science, Tools & Magic, Part One: Body and Spirit, Mapping the Universe, Part Two: Mundane Worlds (The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, volume XII)

Emilie Savage-Smith with contributions by Francis Maddison, Ralph Pinder-Wilson and Tim Stanley

ISBN 10: 0197276105 / ISBN 13: 9780197276105

Published by Oxford ; New York : The Nour Foundation in association with Azimuth Editions and Oxford University Press, 1997

About this Item

2 volume set in blue cloth slip-case. 439 pages fully illustrated in colour, numerous line drawings section on documentary inscriptions with translations hardback with dust jacket (slipcased) 36 x 26 cm. 'This two-part volume contains a large and important group of objects and manuscripts that may be broadly categorised as scientific instruments, tools or magical implements. Many objects of this kind have never before been systematically catalogued, and this volume brings together much information previously scattered to present a corpus of material for future comparative study. The astronomical instruments are those primarily connected with the fundamental concerns of Islamic astronomy determining the times of prayer and the direction of Mecca and the teaching and practice of cosmology and astrology. The Collection includes important individual pieces, among them a fine celestial globe made in 1285 6 and a unique Judeo-Arabic astrolabe of c. 1300. Another 218 entries include medical manuscripts, magic bowls, amulets and other magical or geomantic devices that reflect different aspects of medieval Islamic medical care, while a group of mortars, a selection from the large collection of locks, and miscellaneous tools such as scissors, scales and weights, complete this survey of objects which embody the varied preoccupations of Islamic culture. The information presented includes a ground-breaking study of leather workers in medieval Iran.'.

Seller Inventory # 24jbew601

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Science, Tools & Magic, Part One: Body and Spirit, Mapping the Universe, Part Two: Mundane Worlds (The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, volume XII)
• Publisher: Oxford ; New York : The Nour Foundation in association with Azimuth Editions and Oxford University Press
• Publication Date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0197276105
• ISBN 13: 9780197276105
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Art
  • Islam
  • Science

About this title

Synopsis

The Nasser D. Khalili Collection contains an enormous number of historically important objects relating to the fields of Islamic science in astrology, astronomy, medicine, and magic. This volume brings all these subjects together, and provides fascinating insight into the traditions and innovations of scholars and scientists in Islamic cultures. An intriguing and beautiful array of instruments and artefacts are presented here, accompanied by complete descriptions and authoritative essays.

About the Author

Francis Maddison, Curator, Museum of the History of Science, University of Oxford. Emilie Savage-Smith, Research Associate, Wellcome Unit for the History of Medicine, University of Oxford. Ralph Pinder-Wilson, formerly at the Department of Oriental Antiquities, British Museum.