Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Astrological treatises
Belgium, Bruges, early 15th century, in or before 1403
MS M.785 fol. 27r

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Second Decanus of Capricornus in three zones:
1) Sphaera Persica:
Veiled woman, inscribed MULIER LECTICA RESIDENS, seated on bench, flanked by grapevine, inscribed VITIS, and tree, inscribed ARBOR (Constellation: Virgo); body of fish, inscribed MEDIUM PISCIS INGENTIS (Constellation: Piscis Austrinus); hindquarters of monkey, inscribed MEDIUM FERA DOLOSE (Astrological Sign: Fere Dolose); stream of water, inscribed FONS NOCIUUS (Constellation: Aquarius); back of cart, inscribed DIMIDIUM PLAUSTRA (Constellation: Plaustrum).
2) Sphaera Indica:
Fire, inscribed IGNIS, beside metal utensil, possibly hoe, inscribed INSTRUMENTUM FERREUM (Astrological Sign: unidentified); head of ass, inscribed CAPUT ASINE (Constellation: Asinus); head of weasel (?), inscribed CAPUT MUSTELE (Astrological Sign: Weasel); woman, inscribed MULIER NIGRA PANNIS, holding skirts with left hand and with right hand on breast, beside purse, inscribed MARSUPIUM and PECUNIA (Astrological Sign: Woman)
3) Sphaera Graeca:
Dragon's tail, inscribed PARS CAUDE DRACONIS (Constellation: Draco); hindquarters of bear, inscribed POSTREMUS URSE MINORIS (Constellation: Ursa Minor); spear, inscribed TELUM (Constellation: Sagitta); head and forequarters of cock, inscribed ALA GALLINE CUM COLLO ET CAPITE (Constellation: Gallus); goat horns, inscribed CORNUA CAPRICORNI (Constellation: Capricornus); headless body of eagle, inscribed CORPUS AQUILE (Constellation: Aquila); headless body of horse, inscribed FINIS SAGITTARIUS (Constellation: Sagittarius).