Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

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Nocturnal
Unsigned
Late 16th century ?; French
Gilt brass; 59 mm in diameter

This instrument is neither signed nor dated, but comparison with similar instruments and the language used make it likely that it was made in the late 16th century in France.

It consists of a nocturnal and a horizontal sun and moon dial on the front as well as a vertical pin gnomon dial on the reverse. Besides these more usual features there are also highly unusual tables of lucky and unlucky days on the reverse which serve astrological purposes.

British Museum, London
Registration no. MLA 1867,3-10.1

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