Babylonian mathematical astronomy: Procedure texts (Q411314)

The book begins with an introduction to Babylonian mathematical astronomy in general and to ``procedure texts'' in particular. Chapter 2 describes the mathematical concepts found in the texts, including a discussion of the technical terms used by the Babylonians. The terminology of the mathematical texts is always used for comparison. Graphics and flow-charts are used to make the ancient texts (which are not illustrated) more palatable to a modern reader. Chapter 3 and 4 explain the algorithms which produce the dates and positions of the phenomena of the planets and the moon, respectively. These expositions are exceptionally clear and very helpful, be it for the well-acquainted or for the newly interested reader. Chapter 5 contains the critical editions of the procedure texts and takes up more than half of the book. Procedure texts were included in Neugebauer's ACT [\textit{O. Neugebauer}, Astronomical Cuneiform Texts. Published with the Assistance of the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, New Jersey. Sources in the History of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, 5. New York - Heidelberg Berlin: Springer-Verlag. (1955; Zbl 0523.01032)] and discussed by him there and in HAMA [\textit{O. Neugebauer}, A History of Ancient Mathematical Astronomy. Studies in the History of Mathematics and Physical Sciences 1. Berlin: Springer. (1975; Zbl 1053.01003)]. Ossendrijver has succeeded in identifying many more tablets. In many instances he can therefore offer improved readings and interpretations compared to his predecessors. He even found a hitherto unknown computational system for lunar phenomena (p. 116, System K). There are 6 appendices, among them a list of instructional texts similar to the ones treated in the book, and photographs of the cuneiform tablets. This is followed by a glossary of Babylonian terminology, a bibliography, and indices. This volume is a huge step forward in our understanding of Babylonian mathematical astronomy, both in regard to the astronomy and to the reading of the texts. The author mentions in several places that he intends to publish a second volume containing a new treatment of the tabular texts. Given the high quality of the work under review, one can look forward with high expectations to this second part.