The Shelves · Mathematics (incl. astronomy)

Harmonics

Ἁρμονικά

Known · Attestedin Alexandria?Conjectured · Our reconstructionour placement

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I · The entry, in his form

In the table of Mathematics (incl. astronomy)

Conjectured · Our reconstructionour placement

Claudius Ptolemy

c. 100–170 CE. Made his observations at Alexandria between 127 and 141 CE and set up the Canobic Inscription in 146/147. The Almagest gave astronomy its form until Copernicus and the Tetrabiblos did the same for astrology; he also wrote the Geography, the Handy Tables, the Harmonics and the Optics.

Harmonics

Ἁρμονικά

Opening words not preserved.

Length: not counted

Above, his entry form, filled from what we know. Below, ours.

II · Does it survive? Where to read it

Survives whole

Was it in Alexandria?

Known · Attested

Written in Alexandria.

On the table: written in Alexandria; no evidence it was in the Library.

Read it today

III · In the show

+ 3 more
  • Fixed StarsSets Agrippa's star natures beside Ptolemy's (Tetrabiblos I.9) and says where they differ.Known: attested
  • Zodiacal HoursCites Ptolemy, Almagest II, for the seasonal hours.Known: attested
  • Planetary HoursThe Chaldean order Ptolemy also uses; Cassius Dio (37.18–19) credits the planetary week to the Egyptians.Known: attested

IV · Sources and the living entry

Ancient references
  • Ptolemy, Harmonics 3.3-16 (harmony in the soul and the heavens)
Modern scholarship
  • A. Barker, Greek Musical Writings, vol. 2: Harmonic and Acoustic Theory (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1989).

Entry checked 31 Oct 2026 · no corrections · Suggest a correction ›

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Beside it on the table