Sample page from Serh Semere-i Batlamyus

Commentary on “Ptolemy’s Fruit” (Centiloquim)
 

Ptolemy’s Fruit (the Centiloquim) is 100 astrological aphorisms that are ascribed to Ptolemy. The real author is not known. Al-Tusi’s commentary to this Fruit is 102 words. The first 2 aphorisms are divided into two. The commentary is mainly philosophical explanations of the 100 aphorisms. Al-Tusi mentions two other commentaries; one written by Ahmed ibn Yusuf al-Misri, the other written by Ahmed bin Ali el-Isfahani el-Hasib. At some of the aphorisms, he gives explanations and corrects the other two commentaries.

Al-Tusi’s commentary had been widely used by Islamic astrologers, especially during the Ottoman Empire.

Example: VII. Aphorism (Centiloquim). The mingled influences of the stars can be understood by no one who has not previously acquired knowledge of the combinations and varieties existing in nature.

Ninth word (Commentary): When the elements of opposite natures come together, a nature occures between them. It is called a compound temperament. It occures from those elements. Similar to this, the requirements of the positions of the stars can mix together so that a result happens from the requirements of all of them. From the science of ethics we know that the sources of volitional acts are three powers: carnal, anger and speach. From the moderation of carnal power a likable temperament called chastity appears. From its excess an unlikable temperament called lustfulness (adultery and sin) appears, from its deficiency frigidity appears. From the combinations of these morals under the carnal power many temperaments and morals appear, e.g. bashfulness, modesty, tenderness, patience, contentment, generosity, and their opposites on both sides.

From the moderation of anger power a likable temperament called courage or bravery appears. From its excess and deficiency two unlikable temperaments called fearlessness (inconsiderateness/ carelessness) and cowardice appear. From the combinations of these three morals under the anger power, many morals like perseverance, protection, help, humility, patriotism and their opposites on both sides appear.

From the moderation of speach power a likable temperament called wisdom appears. From its excess and deficiency two unlikable temperaments called deceitfulness and foolishness appear. From the combinations of these three morals under the speach power, many morals like intelligence, reasoning, memorizing, correct consideration, asking for advice and their opposites on both sides appear.

Those three main temperaments have many combinations. When they combine with moderation a likable temperament called justice (fairness or righteousness) appears. From its excess and deficiency two unlikable temperaments called tyrannizing and to be tyrannized appear. From the combinations of these three morals under justice, many morals like loyalty, fidelity, compassion, love, submission, trust, and their opposites on both sides appear.

Truly, the science of ethics declared this. In the astrology books, which moral appears with the influence of which star and with which mixture of its aspects is explained. Then Batlamyus (Ptolemy) in this sentence says, it is not possible to give a judgement, unless the person is cognizant of the combination of the morals, combination of the elements and natural occurrence of compounds from the basics.