Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

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Polyhedral Dial
Signed by Hans Tucher
Dated 1582; Nuremberg
Brass and wood; 58 x 58 x 62 mm

This polyhedral dial consists of a wooden cube, with its sides covered by silver and brass plates.

The inscriptions on the dial remind the user that the compass needle (and therefore the dial) do not work properly next to iron, a common feature on this kind of instruments. The other inscription ('don't laugh at things unless you can do better') is frequently found in Tucher instruments.

The dial on the top is missing the gnomon, probably of a triangular shape, and the dials on the sides all have folding gnomons.

British Museum, London
Registration no. MLA 1857, 5-23.2

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