Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

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Nocturnal And Sundial
Signed by Girolamo della Volpaia
Dated 1568; Florence
Brass; 147 mm in diameter

This nocturnal and sundial is made up of three disks of varying diameter superimposed on top of each other. The centre is pierced by a hole, around which a long pointer is pivoted. The lower disk bears indications of the days, months and signs of the zodiac. The middle is divided into 24 hours and has a short pointer. The upper disk, the smallest in diameter, has 24 protruding teeth, and is subdivided into circles each of which has various markings.

The back of the instrument bears the height-quadrant, divided into 90?, and the hour lines for the sundial.

The dial, calibrated for a latitude of 43? 30', is dated and signed by Girolamo della Volpaia, the son of Camillo and a maker of measuring instruments.

Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Firenze
Inventory no. 2503

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