Talk:ἀστρολάβος
I think this is all wrong...
[edit]It was an adjective, meaning "star taker" (or perhaps "star finder"). It applied to numerous instruments. Ptolemy used it as an adjective when discussing the armillary sphere. See page 217 https://classicalliberalarts.com/resources/PTOLEMY_ALMAGEST_ENGLISH.pdf Nobody ever called armillary spheres "astrolabes" (the noun).
The noun form of the word didn't exist until 2 centuries later, when Theon of Alexandria used it and meant what we still call an "astrolabe," which this definition inaccurately calls a "planisphere." Astrolabes could have a planisphere painted on them, but astrolabes also can be spherical. But in fairness, 99% of the time they are planer. But a little ironic that the first definition incorrectly applies the term to a different sphere and the second definition excludes a correct sphere. Skintigh (talk) 20:42, 14 October 2023 (UTC)