Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

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Quadrant
Unsigned
Dated 1399; English
Gilt brass; 90 mm in radius

This instrument with the badge of Richard II (a stag with chain and crown) belongs to a group of three very similar horary quadrants another of which is also in the British Museum (Epact 70005).

It consists of a table of solar altitudes, a table of Dominical letters for the determination of Easter, and markings for equal hours. A scale with the zodiacal signs is a later addition from Elizabethan times.

This quadrant appears to be the earliest example where punches have been used on an instrument.

British Museum, London
Registration no. MLA 1860,5-19.1

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