you can also find the book in these libraries:
library of congress
LC Control Number: 35038118
Type of Material: Book (Print, Microform, Electronic, etc.)
Brief Description: Bīrūnī, Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad, 973?-1048.
The book of instruction in the elements of the art of astrology, by Abu’l-RayhÌ£aÌ„n MuhÌ£ammad ibn AhÌ£mad al-BiÌ„ruÌ„niÌ„; written in Ghaznah, 1029 A.D.; reproduced from Brit. mus. ms. Or. 8349; the translation facing the text by R. Ramsay Wright …
London, Luzac & co., 1934.
2 p. l., xviii, 333, [333] p., 3 l. illus., diagrs. 23 cm.
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CALL NUMBER: Q153 .B5
Copy 1
– Request in: Jefferson or Adams Bldg General or Area Studies Reading Rms
– Status: Not Charged
CALL NUMBER: Q153 .B5
Copy 2
– Request in: Jefferson or Adams Bldg General or Area Studies Reading Rms
– Status: Not Charged
UCLA
Author/Name: Bīrūnī, Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad, 973?-1048.
Title: The book of instruction in the elements of the art of astrology / by Abu’l-Rayḥān Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad al-Bīrūnī ; written in Ghaznah, 1029 A.D. ; reproduced from Brit. Mus. Ms. Or. 8349 ; the translation facing the text by R. Ramsay Wright.
Published/distributed: London : Luzac, 1934.
Physical description: xviii, 333, [333] p. : ill. ; 23 cm.
Subject(s): Science, Medieval.
Science and astrology.
Record ID: 731766
Collection: UCLA Libraries and Collections
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Location: YRL
Call Number: PJ7750 .B539taf 1934a
Status: Not Checked Out
Number of Items: 2
both have two copies.
the title is not translated correctly.
al-tafhim in arabic means making understandable, and underneath there’s a phrase following the title that says the beginning principals the scientific craft of astronomical observations and calculations.
the book is written in farsi however. it was customary to write titles in arabic since it was the scientific language of that period like greek and latin in europe.
the introduction (translated):
to know what the universe looks like and how earth and other bodies are placed in this system and everything else in between might be one of those beneficial things about astronomy like interesting things you hear from a sage revealing astrological stories! therefore, once the ear gets used to the names and words that astrologers use to describe the heavens, then it’s much easier to understand astronomy through symbolic and identifying meanings since it will lead the scientific observer to seek the real cause and proof or rejection of those unscientific theories and their famed counterpart, the myths and astrological stories inspired by the stars and until the truth is not discovered about both sides of the spectrum (science and fiction) the mind will not rest from thinking, wondering and concentrating on it.
and this souvenir i made to rihaneh, daughter of hossein al-kharazmi, who requested it through the method of dialogue; on the face that is beautiful it is easier to paint.
and i started with geometry then mathematics, then the model of universe in astronomy, and finally the famed arbitrations associated with astrology.
this is because a person should not truly be certified as an astronomer unless has learnt these four attributes to the science of astronomy, until has reached it’s full limit and god is giver of grace to my correct word and deed through his praise.
the book has two parts:
1- astronomy
2- astrology
biruni is comparing the two side by side in two distinct sections each comprising of distinct chapter/s:
part1- astronomy:
ch-1: geometry of astronomy
ch-2: mathematics of astronomy
ch-3: the order of, stars, planets, and celestial bodies in relation to earth
ch-4: instruments used for astronomy
part2-astrology:
ch-5: astrology and tales from the ancients
have fun!