Al-Qānūn al-Masʿūdi

work by al-Bīrūnī

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July 15, 2026

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Al-Qānūn al-Masʿūdī is a comprehensive astronomical and mathematical encyclopedia written by the renowned scholar al-Biruni. Dedicated to Masʿūd, the son of Mahmud of Ghazna, this work synthesizes existing astronomical knowledge, drawing from sources like Ptolemy's Almagest.1

Al-Biruni's original contributions are evident throughout the text. He developed new algebraic techniques for solving third-degree equations, distinguished between the motion of the solar apogee and precession, and explored applied mathematical methods to enhance the precision and usability of astronomical tables. The encyclopedia also served as a teaching tool, with Al-Tafhīm li-awāʾil ṣināʿat al-tanjīm (Elements of Astrology) dedicating a significant portion to elementary mathematics, astronomy, and geography, even though al-Biruni himself held a low opinion of astrology.1

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al-Bīrūnī
Works
…scientific work is the inimitable Al-Qānūn al-Masʿūdi (“The Masʿūdic Canon”), dedicated to Masʿūd, the son of Maḥmūd of Ghazna, in which al-Bīrūnī gathered together all the astronomical knowledge from such sources as Ptolemy’s Almagest and “Handy Tables” after having had these two particular works updated. Nevertheless, al-Bīrūnī’s original input is…
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…scientific work is the inimitable Al-Qānūn al-Masʿūdi (“The Masʿūdic Canon”), dedicated to Masʿūd, the son of Maḥmūd of Ghazna, in which al-Bīrūnī gathered together all the astronomical knowledge from such sources as Ptolemy’s Almagest and “Handy Tables” after having had these two particular works updated. Nevertheless, al-Bīrūnī’s original input is…
Read More