This is a rare example of an astrolabe that has been printed on paper, cut out, and mounted on a board. Other surviving examples are mostly French or German and are from the 16th century. This instrument is a 'complete' astrolabe, incorporating all the different types of astrolabes. As such, it forms an interesting teaching device that can demonstrate the history and development of the astrolabe. The fact that it was brightly coloured would certainly have enhanced its instructive nature. Bion wrote one of the most important books on scientific instruments: 'Traité de la Construction et Principaux Usages des Instruments de Mathématique' (Paris, 1709), (The construction and principal uses of mathematical instruments), in which he described this style of astrolabe. The book was translated into English in 1723 and the Museum recently acquired one of these editions.

The throne is of simple design and comprises a swivel eye and round sectioned ring. The mater is constructed of pasteboard rings, which have been glued and riveted onto a back plate. An even surface has been obtained by filling-in with a thin layer of plaster, to which the printed scales are attached. There is a complete set of six plates, each made of card, covering European latitudes: 42º/ 45º/ 48º/ 51º/ 54º. On the back of the sixth plate is a rare example of the universal projection devised by de la Hire. The rete is cut out of one sheet of card and indicates the positions of 37 stars. On the back of the instrument are a number of concentric scales, not all of which are easy to read due to the poor condition of the instrument. In the centre of the circle is what Bion describes as a 'treillis', which can be used in conjunction with the shadow square to determine the heights of buildings. Both the alidade and regula are of the double-radius, single-bar type.