The Astronomical Observatories of Jai Singh c20.s1.30

c20.s1.30

Terms or Limits (ὅρια).—Fractions of each sign of 30 degrees are distributed among the five planets, and the amount allotted to each planet determines the quantity of its influence. The planets are arranged in an order, which varies for each sign; but the order never forms an intelligible series, and the determining causes of the scheme are not understood.³ The system followed on all the astrolabes examined is that known to Dorothea of Sidon, Firmicus and Paulus Alexandrinus.⁴ It did not satisfy Ptolemy, who tried to introduce a rational order, but failed; and the Egyptian system is the only one generally recognised.