Diagram MAPD0369

Capellan Planetary Theory: Appearing in two forms, both fairly elaborate, the diagram includes a number of aspects of planetary motion. The much more common form, labeled "apsides" in the catalogue, includes the planetary apsides as described in Capella's text, which appear as tumors (bumps) on the planetary paths. The alternative and more infrequent form, labelled "rectus ascensus", does not include apsides and shows the paths of the planets to be combinations of vertical lines on the sides and connecting arcs at top and bottom of the diagram. Both forms display Venus and Mercury as circumsolar intersecting paths. Both forms locate the earth away from the center of the diagram. Neither form represents a section of Capella's text; both are combinations of many elements of Capella's text. This diagram always appears as a large image, dominating the page. If it appears in combination with a group of other diagrams, appended to Capella's text, the "planetary theory" diagram is much larger than any other single diagram on the page.