Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

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Quadrant
Unsigned
circa 1300; French
Brass; 158 mm in radius

This instrument is an example of the very rare quadrans vetus, or old quadrant. The presence of the sliding, curved plate moving in a slot above the degree arc makes the instrument adjustable for use in any latitude.

The volvelle on the back had become separated from the quadrant itself, which was preserved in the Lewis Evans collection in the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford. The two pieces were only recently reunited.

Museum of the History of Science, Oxford
Inventory number 52020

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