Talk with Prof. Dr. Charles Stuart Freeman Burnett – Warburg Institute – on the History of Astrology – 19. August 2025 – Astrotalk- Sapere Aude – Carpe Diem

Prof. Charles Stuart Freeman Burnett

*26. September 1951 – Prof. Charles Burnett is one of the Leading Authorities on the transmission of knowledge from the Arabic-speaking world into medieval Europe, especially in Science, Philosophy and Astrology. – During his childhood, Charles Burnett lived in East Africa, where his father taught at a mission school. During this time, Charles Burnett was also exposed to the East African language Swahili, which is partly influenced by Arabic. Burnett mentioned that learning Arabic reminded him of his time in East Africa and of the language his father used there. His father was of British origin and worked in missionary education.

BA – Student in Cambridge 1969 till May 1972 – He completed a Bachelor’s degree (BA) in the Classical Tripos at University of Cambridge in May 1972.

He earned his PhD in Modern and Medieval Languages at Cambridge in June 1976

Junior Research Fellow at St John’s College, Cambridge from 1976 to 1979

Senior Research Fellow at the Warburg Institute from 1979 to 1982. He served as a Leverhulme Research Fellow in the Department of History at the University of Sheffield (1982–1984 and 1985), interrupted by a year as a member of the Institute for Advanced Study (1984–1985). In April 1985, he was appointed Lecturer in the History of Islamic Influences in Europe at the Warburg Institute, University of London, and was promoted to Research Professor in 1999 – sort of „Chair of Medieval Science and Philosophy“. Since 1998, he has been a Fellow of the British Academy. https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/fellows/charles-burnett-FBA/?utm_source=chatgpt.com – Professor Charles Burnett is Professor of the History of Islamic Influences in Europe at the Warburg Institute, University of London – 2024 Emeritus. – He is a leading scholar on medieval Islamic science and its transmission into Europe. – https://research.london.ac.uk/search/staff/136/professor-charles-burnett – https://ptolemaeus.badw.de/team/11?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton (1984–1985)

University of California, Berkeley – Position: Distinguished Visiting Professor 2002 bis 2003

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München – Position: Gastprofessor

Internationales Kolleg für Geisteswissenschaftliche Forschung (IKGF), Erlangen – Position: Gastwissenschaftler (2011, 2017)

Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies (PIMS), Toronto – Position: W. John Bennett Distinguished Visiting Scholar 2016 bis 2017 – https://pims.ca/people/charles-burnett/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

New York University (NYU), Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW) – Position: Senior Fellow

Fellow der British Academy seit 1998 – Corresponding Fellow der Medieval Academy of America – Fellow der International Society for the History of Science – https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/fellows/charles-burnett-FBA/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

From Māshā ‘ Allāh to Kepler

Theory and Practice in Medieval and Renaissance Astrology – edited by Charles Burnett and Dorian Gieseler Greenbaum

Astrology has recently become a subject of interest to scholars of the highest calibre. However, the tendency has been to look at the social context of astrology, the attacks on astrologers and their craft, and on astrological iconography and symbolism; i.e., largely looking on astrology from the outside. The intention of this book is to do is to look at the subject from the inside: the ideas and techniques of astrologers themselves. In both Western and Eastern cultures astrology was regarded as a pure science by most scholars, mathematicians, physicians, philosophers and theologians, and was taught in schools and universities. The greatest astronomers of the period under consideration, al-Kindi, Thabit ibn Qurra, Abraham Ibn Ezra, Galileo and Kepler, also wrote about and practised astrology. What did astrologers write about astrology and how did they teach their subject and practise their craft? What changes occurred in astrological theory and practice over time and from one culture to another? What cosmological and philosophical frameworks did astrologers use to describe their practice? What role did diagrams, tables and illustrations play in astrological text-books? What was astrology’s place in universities and academies? This book contains surveys of astrologers and their craft in Islamic, Jewish and Christian culture, and includes hitherto unpublished and unstudied astrological texts.

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Astrology in European Religious History

Its Philosophical Foundations through the Ages by Privatdozent Dr. Gustav Adolf Schoener – Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität – Hannover – Germany

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Hermetic Amsterdam

A full academic programme in the heart of Amsterdam, cutting edge research in esotericism, from antiquity to the present. – University of Amsterdam – The Centre for History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents (HHP) – https://www.amsterdamhermetica.nl/esotericism-in-the-academy/esotericism-in-amsterdam – Prof. Dr. Wouter J. Hanegraaff – Professor in History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents. – https://www.amsterdamhermetica.nl/research

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Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (MA)

at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David

https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/programme-courses/postgraduate-pgce/philosophy-theology-and-religious-studies/cultural-astronomy – Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (MA) is the only academic degree in the world that focuses on how human beings relate to the cosmos. – Dr Nicholas Campion BA, MA, PhD – https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/staff/nicholas-campion – Sophia Centre for the Study of Cosmology in Culture – http://www.sophia-project.net/about.php – Books – https://sophiacentrepress.com

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Prof. Dr. phil. Benjamin Dykes

https://bendykes.com/?s=horary – The Book of the Nine Judges – https://bendykes.com/product/the-book-of-the-nine-judges – Abu Ma’shar The Great Introduction to the Science of the Judgments of the Stars – https://bendykes.com/product/the_great_introduction – Firmicus Maternus – Mathesis – https://bendykes.com/product/mathesis

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Prof. Dr. phil. Shlomo Sela

Department of Jewish Thought, Bar-Ilan University – Prof. Shlomo Sela has been of the world’s leading experts on Jewish medieval science and astrology, with a lifetime focus on Abraham Ibn Ezra. His critical editions, translations, and studies have become foundational for scholars in the field. – Prof. Dr. Shlomo Sela earned his PhD in the History of Science, with a strong specialization in the history of medieval Jewish thought, philosophy, and astrology. – His doctoral work focused on Abraham Ibn Ezra’s astrological and scientific writings, and much of his later academic career has been dedicated to editing, translating, and interpreting Ibn Ezra’s Hebrew astrological treatises within the broader context of medieval science and intellectual history.

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The “Chair of Esotericism” at the University of Exeter

Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke (1953–2012) & the Exeter Centre for the Study of Esotericism (EXESESO) – was Professor of Western Esotericism at the University of Exeter. – He directed the Exeter Centre for the Study of Esotericism (EXESESO), which was an internationally recognized research center. – After his death in 2012, and following an internal review, EXESESO was closed in 2014. – This was one of the few times in the UK that “esotericism” had an institutionalized academic base. – MA in Magic and Occult Science (from 2024 onward) – In September 2024, Exeter launched a pioneering new Master’s degree in “Magic and Occult Science” within the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies. – The program examines magic, witchcraft, and esotericism through the lenses of – History, Literature, Philosophy etc. – This makes Exeter one of the first universities in the English-speaking world to offer a full postgraduate program on these subjects. – Today, Exeter runs the Centre for Magic and Esotericism.

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Kepler College

Kepler College is a U.S.-based nonprofit institution dedicated to astrological education, established in the early 1990s and known as one of the longest-standing astrology schools in the country Kepler College+1. – Founded officially in 1992, it received 501(c)(3) status in 1993 and operated degree programs until 2010 Kepler College Wikipedia. Today, it offers certificates and diplomas, delivered fully online.

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Ptolemaeus Arabus et Latinus project

at the Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften in Munich – –https://ptolemaeus.badw.de/start – The Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften (Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities) in Munich is one of Germany’s major learned societies, founded in 1759 by the Elector Maximilian III Joseph. – is not a university, but an independent research institution and scholarly academy whose members are leading scientists, scholars, and cultural figures.

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IKGF Universität Erlangen Nürnberg

–https://www.ikgf.fau.de/people/index.shtml/david-juste.shtml?utm_source=chatgpt.com – IKGF hosted several lectures by Dr Juste during his visiting year – “Fate and Prediction in Chinese and European Traditions” (June 2011) – „Astrology and the Rise of Science in Medieval Europe“, delivered in November 2010 – He also presented at events like – “Astrologers and their Clients in Medieval and Early Modern Europe” (September 2011)

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Italy, France, Portugal and Spain

At Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, a Master’s-level course titled „Renaissance Natural Philosophy, Alchemy, Astrology and Magic“ integrates astrology within the broader context of Renaissance medicine and philosophy, with attention to how astrology historically intersected with intellectual and medicinal practices. – https://www.unive.it/data/course/357948/programma?utm_source=chatgpt.com

in recent times, professors such as Robert Jaulin (in ethnology), within French universities, have offered astrology-related content or student credits, and even organized astrology congresses Reddit. This isn’t from a scholarly source, but it does hint at fringe or interdisciplinary engagement with astrology in the social sciences.

Today in Spain, astrology is not part of formal degree programs, but it continues to appear in research and outreach through the history of science and culture. – Historical research: Institutions like the University of Salamanca preserve rich traditions in astronomical-astrological scholarship, including famous artifacts like „El Cielo de Salamanca“—a Renaissance-era celestial ceiling used for teaching astronomy and astrology.arXiv – Interdisciplinary institutes: While not focused on astrology per se, centers such as the Centro de Estudios de Física del Cosmos de Aragón (CEFCA) support astronomy education and research and collaborate with universities in offering graduate-level training—including outreach and astronomy summer internships.Wikipedia – However, in modern Spanish academia, astrology itself typically remains under the umbrella of historical or philosophical studies, rather than being taught as a practical or standalone discipline.

In Portugal, like in Spain, astrology is largely studied from historical and cultural standpoints rather than as a formal academic subject. – Seminars on ancient astronomy and astrology: The Helena Avelar Seminar series, hosted by the University of Lisbon’s Centro Interuniversitário de História das Ciências e da Tecnologia (CIUHCT), regularly explores topics that blend astronomy and astrology—from ancient calculational methods to religious library collections of astrological texts. For instance – Talks include “Astrology and the Astrolabe”, “Heavenly Knowledge: Astrology Books in Religious Libraries”, and studies on methodological or calculational aspects of astrology.ciuhct.org ciencias.ulisboa.pt – Jesuit historical studies: Scholarly work examines the role of astrology within the Jesuit educational system—for example, professors at Lisbon’s College of Santo Antão once taught astrology courses as part of a broader mathematical curriculum.SpringerLink Brill+1 – Modern educational options: Outside of mainstream universities, institutions like the private Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias offer courses in broader “Western Esoterism,” which include historical examinations of astrology alongside alchemy, magic, and related traditions. Such courses are part of a Master’s in Sciences of Religions, exploring astrology in cultural and philosophical contexts—not as a predictive craft.

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Continuities and disruptions between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance

proceedings of the colloquium held at the Warburg Institute, 15-16 June 2007, jointly organised by the Warburg Institute and the Gabinete de Filosofia Medieval – This volume explores the question of continuities and disruptions between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Rather than addressing the question in a general way, it brings together a number of case studies, dealing with the changing interest in, and knowledge of Stoicism, the variations in the manuscripts of medical texts, the changing emphases within the penitential genres of ‚Mirrors‘, developments in the philosophy of love and in attitudes towards pagans, and the transformation of the art of disputation between the Middle Ages and Renaissance. One article considers the interpretation by a Renaissance scholar (Girolamo Cardano) of the ideas of a medieval scholar (Pietro d’Abano) concerning nature and demons, while another looks at the 16th-century School of Salamanca as a synthesis of the two periods. These papers were originally presented at the second colloquium of the Federation Internationale des Instituts d’Etudes Medievales with the same title, organised jointly by two institutes that embody between them Renaissance and Medieval Studies: the Warburg Institute of London, and the Gabinete de Filosofia Medieval of Porto. The volume includes papers by J. Marenbon (Cambridge), G. Giglioni (London), J. Kraye (London), O. Merisalo (Jyvaskyla), S. Orrego-Sanchez (Santiago de Chile), A. Passot-Mannooretonil (Paris), J. J. Vila-Cha (Braga) and O. Weijers (Den Haag). –

Prof. Charles Stuart Freeman Burnett

BA – Student in Cambridge May 1972 – PhD in Cambridge June 1976

Junior Research Fellow at St John’s College, Cambridge from 1976 to 1976 – Founded: 1511 by Lady Margaret Beaufort (mother of King Henry VII). – Location: St John’s Street, Cambridge, UK – centrally placed along the River Cam. – Status: One of the largest and wealthiest of the University of Cambridge’s 31 colleges. – Student body: ~900 students (about half undergraduates, half graduates). – Notable alumni: William Wordsworth (poet), Paul Dirac (Nobel Prize in Physics), Douglas Adams (author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy), Manmohan Singh (former Prime Minister of India), and many more. – Students are housed in college-owned rooms for most of their degree. – At Cambridge, you don’t apply for a „college-specific“ course — you apply to the University for a subject, and the teaching is shared across the University. – However, St John’s admits students in almost every subject offered by Cambridge. –

Undergraduate subjects

currently offered at St John’s College, Cambridge — based on its official college site – Veterinary Medicine – Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic – Archaeology – Architecture – Asian & Middle Eastern Studies – Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology – Classics – Computer Science – Design – Economics – Education – Engineering – English – Geography – History – History & Modern Languages – History & Politics – History of Art – Human, Social & Political Sciences (HSPS) – Land Economy – Law – Linguistics – Mathematics – Medical Sciences – Modern & Medieval Languages – Music – Natural Sciences (Biological) – Natural Sciences (Physical) – Philosophy – Psychological & Behavioural Sciences (PBS) – Theology, Religion & Philosophy of Religion.

At Cambridge, students apply to study a tripos, a broad academic programme administered by the University. St John’s College admits students across nearly all these tripos choices, so this list reflects the full range of academic entry options available through the college.

Charles Burnett earned his BA (Classical Tripos) and his PhD in Modern and Medieval Languages at the University of Cambridge. – The BA in Classics at the University of Cambridge, also known as the Classical Tripos, offers a comprehensive study of the ancient world, encompassing languages, literature, history, philosophy, art, and archaeology. This degree is structured to provide both depth and flexibility, catering to students with varying backgrounds in classical languages. – 3-Year Course: Designed for students with prior knowledge of Latin (typically at A-Level or equivalent). – 4-Year Course: For those without Latin background; the first year focuses on intensive Latin language acquisition, with an introduction to Ancient Greek. – Year 1 (Part IA) – Language Studies: Intensive training in Latin and Ancient Greek, including reading original texts and unseen translation. – Literature: Study of seminal works by authors such as Homer, Euripides, Plato, Virgil, Ovid, and Cicero. – Ancillary Subjects: Introduction to ancient history, archaeology, art, philosophy, and linguistics. – Modern Reception: Exploration of how classical antiquity has influenced modern culture. – Year 2 (Part IB) – Specialization: Students choose from a wider array of subjects, including -Advanced Latin and Greek literature – Ancient history and archaeology – Philosophy and linguistics – Flexibility: Opportunity to focus on specific areas of interest within the classical world. – Year 3 (Part II) – Advanced Study: In-depth exploration of chosen topics. – Assessment: Completion of four papers, with the option to replace one with a 10,000-word thesis. – Customization: Ability to specialize further or maintain a broad approach, depending on academic goals. Key Features – Cultural Insight: Examination of the lasting impact of classical antiquity on modern society. – Language Proficiency: Emphasis on developing fluency in Latin and Ancient Greek. – Interdisciplinary Approach: Integration of various disciplines to provide a holistic understanding of the ancient world. – Research Opportunities: Encouragement of independent research, particularly in the final year.

Asian & Middle Eastern Studies at Cambridge offers, among others, the following language options: Arabic, Hebrew, Persian (Farsi), Chinese, and Japanese. Students usually choose one main language (e.g., Arabic or Persian) and can combine it with a second language or with regional modules in culture, literature, history, and religion. – The course includes Intensive language training from scratch or building on existing knowledge. – Cultural, literary, and historical modules relating to the respective regions. – Ideally, a year abroad in the target country (e.g., Jordan/Egypt for Arabic, Iran/Tajikistan for Persian – depending on political circumstances).

PhD in Modern and Medieval Languages

The PhD in Modern and Medieval Languages (MML) at the University of Cambridge is a research-intensive programme offered by the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics. It provides an opportunity for students to engage in original scholarly work across various language and cultural studies, including French, German, Italian, Slavonic Studies, Spanish and Portuguese, and Theoretical and Applied Linguistics. – https://www.mmll.cam.ac.uk/graduates/applying/phd

Warburg

The “translation flowering” (or translation movement) in medieval Europe was a pivotal period—roughly between the 12th and 13th centuries—when classical, Arabic, and Jewish texts in science, philosophy, medicine, and astrology were systematically translated into Latin. Its cultural importance cannot be overstated, as it profoundly shaped European intellectual life. – Many ancient Greek texts (Aristotle, Galen, Ptolemy, Euclid) had been largely inaccessible in Western Europe. – Translations, often from Arabic intermediaries, reintroduced philosophical, scientific, and medical works. – This revived Europe’s connection to its classical heritage, which had been fragmented during the early medieval period. – Scholars in Muslim Spain, Sicily, and the Middle East preserved and enhanced Greek works. – Arabic texts in medicine (Avicenna), mathematics (Al-Khwarizmi), optics (Alhazen), and astronomy were translated into Latin. – Jewish scholars often served as intermediaries, translating from Arabic to Hebrew or directly to Latin. – Europe thus received a rich, cross-cultural infusion of knowledge, blending Greek, Roman, and Islamic traditions. – Latin translations became core texts in the emerging European universities (e.g., Bologna, Paris, Oxford). – Scholastic philosophers (like Thomas Aquinas) relied heavily on these translated works to harmonize reason and faith. – This intellectual infrastructure laid the groundwork for systematic philosophical and scientific inquiry. – The translation movement fostered Latin as a universal scholarly language, unifying Europe’s intellectual elite. – It encouraged the development of specialized vocabulary in philosophy, science, and law. – This helped create a pan-European scholarly culture that transcended regional linguistic differences. – All this laid the intellectual foundation for the Renaissance and later the Scientific Revolution. – Helped Europe move from a primarily religious framework of knowledge toward systematic rational inquiry. – Enabled the integration of diverse cultural perspectives, promoting curiosity and openness to new ideas. – The translation flowering was not just a transfer of texts—it was a profound cultural transformation. By importing, interpreting, and integrating knowledge from classical and Islamic sources, medieval Europe built the intellectual scaffolding that made the Renaissance, universities, and modern science possible.

GWBL

https://opac.tib.eu/DB=3/FKT=1016/FRM=burnett/IMPLAND=Y/LNG=DU/LRSET=1/SET=1/SID=580b6f90-1/SRT=YOP/TTL=1/CMD?ACT=SRCHA&IKT=1016&SRT=YOP&TRM=charles+burnett

The Warburg Institute

https://warburg.sas.ac.uk

History of the Warburg Institute – https://warburg.sas.ac.uk/about-us/history-warburg-institute – The Transfer of the Warburg Institute – https://warburg.sas.ac.uk/about-us/history-warburg-institute/transfer-institute – Trust Deed – https://warburg.sas.ac.uk/sites/default/files/file-uploads/2021-07/trust%20deed.pdf

Astrotalk – Filmliste Prof. Dr. Burnett

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCKPz4q3EX-v0IQ-qAgXiENkgAU561FOi – https://talk.vonabisw.de/Burnett/1.mp4 /. 12

Prof. Dr. Charles Burnett – List of Publications

https://warburg.sas.ac.uk/charles-burnett-list-publications?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Major Publications

Books, Editions & Major Monographs

Hermann of Carinthia – De Essentiis

1982 – Hermann of Carinthia – De Essentiis
, De Essentiis (critical edition, translation, commentary) The Warburg Institute

Hermann of Carinthia (Latin: Hermannus Dalmata, also known as Hermannus Sclavus or Hermannus Carnivoranus) was a significant 12th-century scholar—an astronomer, astrologer, philosopher, mathematician, and translator. He lived approximately from 1100 to around 1160. – 12th Century – Hermann of Carinthia (De essentiis) – Hermann’s treatise “De essentiis” = On the Essences. – He blends Neoplatonism (hierarchy of being from the One to matter) with Arabic philosophy (esp. al-Kindi). – For Hermann, essentia = the metaphysical structure of the world, beyond appearances, but accessible to reason. – The essences explain cosmos, creation, and order. – Late Scholasticism & Rationalism (14th–17th c.) – Duns Scotus and Ockham: questioned whether essences are real; nominalists argued they may be only names (nomina). – Descartes, Leibniz, Wolff: still affirmed essences, but in a more rationalist framework. – Leibniz: each monad has an inner essence, hidden from direct perception. – Debate grows: are essences objective realities or just conceptual tools? – Kant (18th c.) – “Thing in Itself” – Kant inherits the essence/appearance tradition but radically transforms it: We know the world only as phenomena (through space, time, categories). – The thing-in-itself (noumenon) exists, but it is unknowable in principle. – What was once a positive, knowable essentia becomes, in Kant, a limit-concept: it marks what is beyond possible human cognition. – Summary of the Development – Plato/Aristotle: essence lies behind appearances (Idea / Substance). – Scholastics: essentia = the knowable “whatness” of things, distinct from existence. – Hermann of Carinthia (De essentiis): builds a systematic ontology of essences. – Rationalists: still affirm essences, though contested by nominalists. – Kant: transforms essence into the thing-in-itself – real but inaccessible to knowledge. – Thing-in-itself (Kant) = the unknowable whatness of things. – Essentia (Middle Ages) = the knowable whatness of things.

1985 – Pseudo-Bede, De mundi celestis terrestrisque constitutione (edition, translation) The Warburg Institute

The term Pseudo-Bede refers to works or authors falsely attributed to the Venerable Bede (c. 673–735), the famous Anglo-Saxon monk, historian, and scholar. In other words, Pseudo-Bede designates texts written by unknown or different authors who either falsely claimed Bede’s name or whose works were later mistakenly attributed to him. – Context – The Venerable Bede is best known for his Ecclesiastical History of the English People and for being a major early medieval scholar. – Over time, several anonymous or pseudonymous texts appeared under his name or were thought to be his works, especially in the medieval manuscript tradition. – These works can cover various subjects—history, theology, astronomy, or astrology—but do not originate from Bede himself. – Why “Pseudo”? – The prefix „Pseudo-“ is a scholarly convention used to indicate a false or mistaken attribution. – For example, a text called Pseudo-Bede’s Commentary on the Calendar would be a commentary attributed to Bede but not actually written by him. – Importance – Studying Pseudo-Bede works is important for understanding medieval intellectual history and the transmission of knowledge. – It also helps clarify what genuine contributions Bede made versus what was later misattributed.

1987 – Adelard of Bath: An English Scientist and Arabist of the Early Twelfth Century The Warburg Institute

Adelard of Bath (c. 1080 – c. 1152) was a remarkable English scholar, philosopher, mathematician, and translator of the 12th century. He played a crucial role in transmitting Arabic scientific and philosophical knowledge to medieval Europe. – Key facts about Adelard of Bath – Origin: Probably from Bath, England. – Era: Early to mid-12th century, part of the European Renaissance of the 12th century. – Travels: He traveled extensively, including visits to the Mediterranean world and possibly the Islamic centers of learning in Spain and Sicily, where he studied Arabic texts. – Works and Contributions – He translated many important scientific and philosophical works from Arabic into Latin, introducing European scholars to advanced knowledge in mathematics, astronomy, and natural philosophy. – Among his most famous translations is the Almagest of Ptolemy (an important work on astronomy). – He wrote original treatises on natural philosophy, mathematics, and astronomy, blending classical Greek ideas with Islamic scientific knowledge. – Philosophy: Adelard was influenced by Aristotelian philosophy and the Arabic commentaries on Aristotle, contributing to the early scholastic movement. – Legacy: His work helped lay the foundation for the later flourishing of science in medieval Europe. – Adelard of Bath is thus a key figure in the 12th-century intellectual revival, bridging cultures and preserving classical and Arabic science for the European tradition.

1991 – The Second Sense: Studies in Hearing and Musical Judgement … (ed.) The Warburg Institute
1993 – Glosses and Commentaries on Aristotelian Logical Texts (ed.) The Warburg Institute
1994 – Constantine the African and ‘Alī ibn al-‘Abbas al-Maǧūsī: The Pantegni… (ed.) The Warburg Institute –
Constantine the African (c. 1020 – c. 1087) – Who: A medieval scholar and physician, originally from North Africa (likely the region of Carthage or nearby), who converted to Christianity and became one of the most influential transmitters of Arabic medical knowledge to medieval Europe.
Role: He traveled to Europe and settled in Monte Cassino, Italy, where he translated many important Arabic medical texts into Latin.
Contributions:
- His Latin translations opened the door for European medicine to benefit from the advanced medical knowledge of the Islamic world.
- Among his notable translations are works by Hippocrates, Galen, and Arab physicians like Avicenna.
- He introduced systematic medical knowledge and pharmacology to Europe, influencing medical schools such as those in Salerno.
Legacy: Constantine played a crucial role in the medical Renaissance of the 11th and 12th centuries, bridging Islamic and European medical traditions.

‘Alī ibn al-‘Abbās al-Maǧūsī (also known as Haly Abbas, died c. 982)

Who: A prominent Persian physician and medical writer of the 10th century.
Name: The epithet al-Maǧūsī means „the Magian,“ which might refer to his Zoroastrian background or scholarly associations.
Famous Work: Kitāb al-Maliki (The Complete Book of the Medical Art or The Royal Book), one of the most comprehensive medical encyclopedias of the Islamic Golden Age.
Contributions:
- His work compiled and systematized medical knowledge from Greek, Indian, and earlier Islamic sources.
- The Kitāb al-Maliki was translated into Latin and widely used in medieval European medical schools.
- His medical theories and treatments influenced both Islamic and European medicine for centuries.
Legacy: Considered one of the greatest medical authorities of his time, bridging earlier traditions and shaping medieval medicine.

Summary:
Constantine the African was a key Latin translator who brought Arabic medical knowledge, including works by scholars like Al-Maǧūsī, to Europe. Al-Maǧūsī himself was a Persian physician whose encyclopedic medical text became foundational in both Islamic and medieval European medicine.

1994 – Abū Ma‘šar, The Abbreviation of the Introduction to Astrology (with Yano & Yamamoto) The Warburg Institute

Abū Ma‘shar (787–886 CE)

Full Name: Abū Ma‘shar Ja‘far ibn Muḥammad al-Balkhī al-Ṭabarī
Background: One of the most influential early Islamic astrologers and astronomers. Born in Balkh (in present-day Afghanistan), he lived and worked mainly in Baghdad.
Role: He is often called the “Greatest of the Astronomers” in the medieval Islamic world and later highly regarded in medieval Europe as well.
Contributions:
- Synthesized and expanded on Hellenistic astrology, particularly the works of Ptolemy and earlier Greek astrologers.
- Integrated philosophical, astronomical, and astrological knowledge into a coherent system.
- Influenced both Islamic and European astrology deeply, especially through Latin translations in the 12th century.
Legacy: His works were central to the flourishing of astrology in the Islamic Golden Age and the European Middle Ages, impacting astrologers like Guido Bonatti and others.

“The Abbreviation of the Introduction to Astrology” (Kitāb al-Madkhal al-Mukhtaṣar)

Title Meaning: The work is an epitome, a shortened and accessible version of his larger introduction to astrology.
Content:
- Serves as an introductory manual on astrology, explaining fundamental concepts.
- Covers planetary natures, zodiac signs, aspects, and the influence of celestial bodies.
- Explains how to interpret horoscopes, basic principles of natal astrology, and predictive techniques.
- Emphasizes the philosophical and causal relationship between the heavens and earthly events.
Purpose: To make the principles of astrology understandable and practical for students and practitioners.
Impact:
- Translated into Latin in the 12th century by scholars such as John of Seville (Johannes Hispalensis).
- Became one of the standard textbooks for medieval European astrologers.
- Helped bridge Hellenistic astrology and later medieval European practice.
Style: Clear, systematic, and concise, making it highly accessible.

Why is this work important?

It provided a foundation for medieval astrology in Europe.
It represents the transmission of classical and Islamic astrological knowledge.
It influenced the standard curriculum of astrology in medieval universities and astrologers’ training.
The text exemplifies how astrology was integrated with natural philosophy and cosmology.

1995 – Jesuit Plays on Japan and English Recusancy (with Masahiro Takenaka) The Warburg Institute
1996 – Magic and Divination in the Middle Ages: Texts and Techniques in the Islamic and Christian Worlds The Warburg Institute
1997 – The Liber Aristotilis (with Pingree); The Introduction of Arabic Learning into England; Abu Ma‘shar, The Abbreviation… translation & commentary The Warburg Institute
1998 – Hildegard of Bingen: The Context of Her Thought and Art (with Dronke); Adelard of Bath, Conversations with His Nephew… The Warburg Institute

Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179)

Who: A remarkable medieval abbess, mystic, writer, composer, and visionary from the Rhineland region of Germany.
Roles:
- Founder and leader of the Benedictine monastery at Rupertsberg.
- Renowned for her spiritual visions and theological writings.
- One of the few female figures from the Middle Ages whose works had widespread influence.

Context of Her Thought

Medieval Christian Mysticism:
Hildegard’s worldview was deeply rooted in the Christian faith and monastic tradition. She experienced visions from a young age, which she interpreted as divine revelations.
Cosmology and Theology:
Her thought reflects a holistic, symbolic cosmology: the universe is a living, interconnected whole created by God, where everything reflects divine harmony.
She emphasized the relationship between God, humanity, and nature, often expressing this in vivid metaphors and symbolic imagery.
Healing and Medicine:
Hildegard wrote extensively on natural medicine and healing, blending spiritual and physical health. She believed that understanding the natural world was key to understanding God’s creation.
Philosophical Influences:
Though not a scholastic philosopher, her thought resonates with medieval theological traditions, combining biblical exegesis with visionary mysticism. Her concept of the viriditas (greening power or life force) exemplifies her unique spiritual and natural philosophy.

Context of Her Art

Illuminations and Visual Symbolism:
Hildegard created (or inspired) striking illuminated manuscripts illustrating her visions, such as those in Scivias (“Know the Ways”).
These images are rich in symbolism, often depicting cosmic order, divine light, and the human soul’s journey.
Music:
Hildegard is also famous for her original compositions—plainchant-style liturgical songs marked by soaring melodies. Her music reflects her mystical experiences and theological themes.
Integration of Word and Image:
In her work, text and image combine to convey complex spiritual truths, making her one of the earliest known female artists and composers in Western history.

Why is Hildegard important?

She provides a unique window into 12th-century spirituality and worldview, especially from a woman’s perspective in a male-dominated era.
Her synthesis of mysticism, natural philosophy, and art is a rare and influential example of medieval intellectual culture.
Today, she is celebrated not only as a saint and mystic but also as a pioneering thinker, artist, and composer.

1999 – Islam and the Italian Renaissance (with A. Contadini) The Warburg Institute
2000 – Scientific Weather Forecasting in the Middle Ages: The Writings of Al-Kindi (with Gerrit Bos); Abū Ma‘shar on Historical Astrology (2 vols.) The Warburg Institute
2004 – Al-Qabīṣī (Alcabitius): The Introduction to Astrology (with Yamamoto & Yano); Studies in the History of the Exact Sciences in Honour of David Pingree (ed.) The Warburg Institute

Al-Qabīṣī (Alcabitius)

Full Name: Abū al-Ḥasan ʿAlī ibn ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Qabīsī (Latinized as Alcabitius)
Era: 10th century (c. 940–c. 1000 CE)
Background: A prominent Andalusian-Arab astrologer and scholar.
Significance:
- Alcabitius is famous for writing one of the most widely used introductory astrology texts during the Middle Ages and Renaissance in Europe.
- His work served as a standard textbook for students of astrology in the Latin West after it was translated.
Contributions:
- Clear and systematic presentation of basic astrology, particularly natal astrology and the use of the houses.
- Focus on practical techniques, such as how to interpret planetary positions, aspects, and the role of the Ascendant and houses.
- His methods reflected a blend of Hellenistic astrology with Islamic developments.

The Introduction to Astrology (also known as Introductorium in Astronomiam)

Nature of the Work:
A concise and accessible introduction aimed at teaching the fundamentals of astrology.
Content:
- Explanation of the zodiac signs, planets, houses, and aspects.
- Instructions on calculating and interpreting horoscopes.
- Emphasis on the influence of the Ascendant and the twelve houses.
Influence:
- The text became a cornerstone of medieval astrology education in Europe.
- It was frequently copied, commented upon, and integrated into larger astrological compilations.

Yamamoto Edition/Translation

Who: Fumiya Yamamoto is a modern scholar who produced a critical edition and English translation of Alcabitius’s Introduction to Astrology.
Significance of Yamamoto’s Work:
- Provides a reliable and annotated English version based on the original Arabic and Latin manuscripts.
- Helps modern readers and scholars access this foundational astrological text with scholarly commentary.
- Clarifies technical terms and historical context for better understanding.

Why is Alcabitius and his Introduction to Astrology important?

It was one of the main gateways through which Islamic astrology influenced medieval and Renaissance Europe.
It codified and simplified astrological knowledge for broader dissemination.
Its practical approach helped train generations of astrologers.

2005 – Britannia Latina (with N. Mann); Hebrew Medical Astrology: David Ben Yom Tov, Kelal Qatan (with Bos & Langermann); Hermes Trismegistus, Astrologica et divinatoria (ed.) The Warburg Institute
2006 – Magic and the Classical Tradition (with W. F. Ryan); Scientia in Margine (with D. Jacquart) The Warburg Institute
2009 – Arabic into Latin in the Middle Ages: The Translators and their Intellectual and Social Context The Warburg Institute+1
2010 – Numerals and Arithmetic in the Middle Ages The Warburg Institute+1

Recent Edited Works & Collections

2022 – Mark of Toledo. Intellectual Context and Debates between Christians and Muslims… (edited volume

Mark of Toledo (Latin: Marcus Toletanus)

Who: A prominent medieval translator and scholar active in the late 12th and early 13th centuries.
Context: Operated primarily in Toledo, Spain—a major center for the transmission of Arabic knowledge into Latin Europe.
Role:
- One of the most important translators of Arabic scientific, philosophical, and medical works into Latin during the so-called Toledo School of Translators.
- Contributed greatly to the European intellectual revival of the 12th century, helping to bring classical and Islamic knowledge into the Western scholarly tradition.

Contributions

Translations:
- Translated key works from Arabic into Latin, especially in astronomy, astrology, and medicine.
- Notably translated Almagest by Ptolemy, which was a foundational astronomical text in the Western tradition.
- Also worked on texts by Avicenna, Averroes, and other major Islamic scholars.
Impact:
- His translations provided Latin Europe with access to the advanced scientific knowledge developed in the Islamic world.
- Helped shape the curriculum in medieval European universities and scholarly circles.
Legacy:
- Mark of Toledo’s work bridged the intellectual gap between the ancient classical world, the Islamic Golden Age, and medieval Europe.
- He is often mentioned alongside other key translators such as Gerard of Cremona and Hermann of Carinthia.

Importance of Toledo

Toledo was a cultural and intellectual melting pot where Muslim, Christian, and Jewish scholars collaborated.
Mark of Toledo was part of this vibrant environment, facilitating the flow of knowledge through his translations.

Summary

Mark of Toledo stands as a crucial figure in medieval scholarship, a translator who helped Europe rediscover classical science and medicine by transmitting Arabic texts into Latin. His work was instrumental in the scientific and philosophical developments of the High Middle Ages.

Academic Career

Professor Emeritus for the History of Islamic Influences in Europe at the Warburg Institute, University of London – warburg.sas.ac.uk –

Fellow of the British Academy since 1998, in the Theology & Religious Studies and Medieval Studies sections – https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/fellows/charles-burnett-FBA

Held positions at Cambridge, Sheffield, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, and the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies in Toronto – https://pims.ca –

Ptolemaeus – Arabus et Latinus – München – https://ptolemaeus.badw.de/team/11

Research Summary and Profile

Research interests:Ancient History, Cultural memory, History of the book, International Relations, Manuscript studies, Medieval History, Music, Palaeography, Philosophy, Regional historyRegions:Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, United KingdomSummary of research interests and expertise:

Arabic and Islamic influences in Europe. The transmission of philosophy, science, medicine and magic from the Islamic world to Medieval and Renaissance Europe principally via translations from Arabic into Latin made in Spain, Sicily, and the Crusader States, The parallel transmission of Greek works into Latin. The cultural milieu of the translators. The importance of Arabic authorities in the curricula of the medieval universities. The printing of translations from Arabic in the Renaissance. The beginnings of Arabic studies in Europe. The European reception of the Qur’an. Attitudes towards Islam.
The theory of music in the Middle Ages. The music of the spheres.
The introduction of humanism into China and Japan by the Jesuits. European knowledge of, and reaction to the fortune of Christians in the Far East.

Academic Background

BA in Classics, Cambridge University (1972)
PhD in Modern and Medieval Languages, Cambridge (1976)
Junior Research Fellow at St John’s College (Cambridge), Senior Research Fellow at the Warburg Institute, Leverhulme Research Fellow at Sheffield, Lecturer at the Warburg Institute, and Professor from 1999 onwards – warburg.sas.ac.uk –
Research Focus & Teaching
Transmission of knowledge from the Islamic world to Europe, especially the translation of Arabic texts (philosophy, science, medicine, magic, astrology) into Latin and their impact on medieval Europe.
Other areas: Jesuits in Japan, palaeography, history of numerals and arithmetic, music culture, esoteric and ritual sciences.
Taught Latin palaeography, Arabic philosophy in Latin, medieval magical and esoteric texts.
Supervised numerous PhD students in medieval intellectual history – pims.ca

Major Publication

Monographs
Magic and Divination in the Middle Ages: Texts and Techniques in the Islamic and Christian Worlds (1996)
The Introduction of Arabic Learning into England (1997)
Arabic into Latin in the Middle Ages: The Translators and their Intellectual and Social Context (2009)
Numerals and Arithmetic in the Middle Ages (2010)
Editions & Translations
Hermann of Carinthia’s De Essentiis (1982)
Scientific Weather Forecasting (Al-Kindi, 2000)
Critical editions of astrological works by Abu Maʿshar (2000, 2018)

https://brill.com/edcollbook/title/14340

Thabit ibn Qurra On Talismans (2021)
Mark of Toledo (2022)
Contributions to Cultural History of Chemistry (2022)
Many articles on medieval astrology, astronomy, music, and translation history.
A complete bibliography is available via the Warburg Institute staff profile – https://research.london.ac.uk/search/staff/136/professor-charles-burnett

Online Presence

Warburg Institute: warburg.sas.ac.uk/people/charles-burnett

British Academy: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/fellows/charles-burnett-FBA

Ptolemaeus Project (Bavarian Academy of Sciences): ptolemaeus.badw.de/team/11

Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies: http://pims.ca/people/charles-burnett

The Astra Project

https://www.youtube.com/@TheAstraProject/videos

Copyright

Volker H. Schendel only has the right to publish the respective conversation uncut and unedited on freely accessible video platforms (i.e. no paywalls) and on his homepages. – My guest has the right to shorten, edit or add to the mp4 file as he wishes and to publish it on his websites and video-platforms according to his liking.