Project update 19 - A Dixson safe item

Sir William Dixson's printed book collections include significant works on the history of Australia including the exploration of the Pacific. His collections also include some very rare European publications printed in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. They are often distinguished by fine bindings in excellent condition.
De magnis coniunctionibus by Abalachus Albumasar was printed in Augsburg in 1489 (Dixson Safe/48/1) . This thesis on the creation of the universe was developed by Albumasar, a ninth-century Arab astronomer. Albumasar believed that the Creation occurred when the seven planets were in conjunction with the first degree of the constellation Aries, and that the world would end when they were in conjunction with the last degree of Pisces. The printer, Erhard Ratdolt, was well known for his publication of early scientific works.