astronomical compendium; instrument-case

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astronomical compendium; instrument-case

Object Type: astronomical compendium; instrument-case
Museum number: 1888,1201.294
Description: Astronomical compendium; gilt brass; square black case; a) converter for lunar to solar time; compass visible through central hole surrounded by windrose; 12 compass points and corresponding zodiac signs; b) table giving difference between solar and lunar times; c) equinoctial pin-gnomon dial; e) horizontal dial with folding, shaped and engraved gnomon for latitude 48 25'; central compass marked for declination N10E; f) list of 57 towns and latitudes. The outside of the top leaf of this gilt brass compendium is engraved with the main cardinal points, the characteristics of the main winds and their effects on health. A table listing the differences between solar and lunar times is engraved on the inside, and the triangular folding gnomon of a horizontal dial for latitude 48°25' is held down by means of a silver catch in the form of a hand.
Production date: 16thC(late)
Production place: Made in: Germany
Materials: copper alloy (brass?); gold (gilt); silver (catch (in shape of hand)); leather (case outside, black; lining, red)
Technique
Dimensions: Length: 70 millimetres (square); Width: 70 millimetres (square); Depth: 15 millimetres
Bibliographic references: EPACT 1998 / EPACT: Scientific instruments of medieval and renaissance Europe (http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/epact/catalogue.php?ENumber=94216); Ward 1981 / A catalogue of scientific instruments in the Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities of the British Museum (359)
Location: Not on display
Condition: Latest: 2 (Mar 2017)
Acquisition name
Acquisition date: 1888
Department: Britain, Europe and Prehistory
Registration number: 1888,1201.294

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