Episode 11: Death and Astronomy

It is now January 1637, and the new year begins with a funeral for the Persian man who drank himself to death at the welcome party for our ambassadors in the town of Schamachie.Olearius visits various schools and mosques on his walks in the city, and sometimes carries with him a small celestial globe which he has made himself. Teachers and students tell him that “astrology and the mathematicks” must be taught better in Germany than Persia, for they are “not acquainted with the invention of globes, and make use only of the astrolabe for instruction.”He demonstrates certain uses of the astrolabe to an Arab astrologer named Khalil, who "desired me to show him how I could set down the degrees so exactly." Khalil is so much obliged that he lets no opportunity pass to assure Olearius of his friendship, “expressing it by frequent visits and by offering all the service that lay in his power.”And we hear the story of the Gottorp Globe built in Holstein after Olearius returns to Germany, and discover how Japanese sailors reached St. Petersburg in 1803 and proceeded to circle the earth on their way home. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semipropilgrim.substack.com