Theodosius of Bithynia (ca. 160 BC–ca. 100 BC) was a Greek astronomer and mathematician who wrote the Sphaerics, a book on the geometry of the sphere. Born in Tripolis, in Bithynia, Theodosius is cited by Vitruvius as having invented a sundial suitable for any place on Earth. His Sphaerics provided the mathematics for spherical astronomy, and may have been based on a work by Eudoxus of Cnidus. Francesco Maurolico translated his works in the 16th century. In addition to the Sphaerics, two other works by Theodosius have survived: On Habitations, describing the appearances of the heavens at different climes, and On Days and Nights, a study of the apparent motion of the Sun.
References
- Ivor Bulmer-Thomas, "Theodosius of Bithynia," Dictionary of Scientific Biography 13:319-320.
|
Greek astronomy |
|
| Astronomers |
|
|
| Works |
|
|
| Instruments |
|
|
| Concepts |
|
|
| Influences |
|
|
| Influenced |
|
|
|
Greek mathematics |
|
| Mathematicians |
|
|
| Treatises |
|
|
| Centers |
|
|
| Influences |
|
|
| Influenced |
|
|
| Tables |
|
|
| Famous problems |
|
|