THEORY OF THE SUPERIOR

PLANETS.

A hand-colored astronomical diagram entitled "Theory of the Superior Planets." The central model is a complex geometric layout of planetary orbits, focusing on epicycles and eccentric circles. A large zodiac ring is divided by two primary axes: the "LINE OF MEAN LONGITUDES EQUINOCTIAL" and the "SOLSTITIAL COLURE." Eight smaller circles, labeled "EPICYCLE I" through "EPICYCLE VIII," are arranged around the inner system. Each contains lines of motion radiating from different centers. The outer rings feature circular bands of Latin text describing the arcs of planetary motion. The diagram is set against a blue sky with clouds, with pairs of putti in the corners holding banners.

EPICYCLE I
Apogee of the Epicycle.
Center of the Epicycle.
Apogee of the ECCENTRIC.

EPICYCLE II
LINE OF MEAN MOTION.
LINE OF TRUE MOTION.
LINE OF TRUE PLACE OF THE PLANET.
Center of the Equant.

EPICYCLE III
LINE OF MEAN MOTION.
LINE OF TRUE MOTION.
LINE OF TRUE PLACE OF THE PLANET.

EPICYCLE IV
LINE OF MEAN MOTION.
LINE OF TRUE MOTION.
LINE OF TRUE PLACE OF THE PLANET.
Arc of Prosthaphaeresis.

EPICYCLE V
Apogee of the Epicycle.
Center of the Epicycle.
Perigee of the Epicycle.
Perigee of the ECCENTRIC.
Perigee of the Equant.

EPICYCLE VI
LINE OF MEAN MOTION.
LINE OF TRUE MOTION.
LINE OF TRUE PLACE OF THE PLANET.
Arc of Prosthaphaeresis.

EPICYCLE VII
LINE OF MEAN MOTION.
LINE OF TRUE MOTION.
LINE OF TRUE PLACE OF THE PLANET.

EPICYCLE VIII
LINE OF MEAN MOTION.
LINE OF TRUE MOTION.
LINE OF TRUE PLACE OF THE PLANET.
Superior Planets.

FROM LETTER L ARC OF TRUE PLACE AND TRUE MOTION OF THE PLANET UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF ARIES AT LETTER Y

FROM LETTER M ARC OF MEAN MOTION OF THE PLANET UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF ARIES AT LETTER Y

FROM LETTER R ARC OF SUPERIOR AND REGULAR MOTIONS OF THE PLANET, ONLY THE MEAN IS WHAT IS FOUND AT LETTER Y

FROM LETTER Q ARC OF TRUE PLACE AND REGULAR MOTIONS OF THE PLANET, ONLY THE MEAN IS WHAT IS FOUND AT LETTER Y

Center of the Equant.
CENTER OF THE WORLD.