Astronomical Compendium, Late 16th century (45a756)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 16th century
This unsigned astronomical compendium, dating to the late 16th century, is constructed from gilt brass and measures 70 x 70 x 15 mm. The instrument comprises multiple nested leaves hinged to allow for various astronomical and time-keeping functions.
It features a horizontal dial for latitude 48°25', equipped with a folding gnomon secured by a silver catch shaped like a hand. The compendium includes a lunar volvelle with compass viewing hole, alongside tables for solar and lunar time conversions. A universal equatorial dial plate is provided, although the gnomon and the latitude adjustment arm for this component are missing. The outer surfaces are engraved with weather-related wind data, a list of 57 cities with their respective latitudes, and seasonal information tied to saints' days.
It is currently housed in a leather box lined with red leather.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- German astronomical compendium
- Maker
- Unsigned
- Latitude
- 48°25'
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Dimensions
- 70 x 70 x 15 mm
- Provenance
- Bequeathed by Octavius Morgan
- Place recorded
- Germany
Design
- Visible features
- • Folding gnomon held by a hand-shaped catch • Compass needle detached with broken glass • Engraved list of 57 cities with latitudes • Lunar volvelle with three-ring assembly
- Construction and Layout
- The compendium is constructed from gilt brass in a square format. It features multiple folding leaves that provide surfaces for various scales, tables, and dials. The top leaf's exterior includes a lunar volvelle with a central compass viewing hole and three rotating rings for lunar tracking. The exterior surface also displays inscriptions of wind directions and their predicted effects on weather and health, alongside season names linked to saints' days. The interior of the box contains a horizontal dial with a folding gnomon. The base of this dial is marked with a latitude of 48°25' and features a central compass. A separate plate within the box, intended for a universal equatorial dial, is decorated with pierced spandrels and engraving. The exterior of the lower leaf provides a table of 57 cities and their respective latitudes, allowing the user to adapt the instrument to different locations.
- Condition and Provenance
- The instrument was bequeathed by Octavius Morgan to the British Museum. It is described as being housed in a leather box with a red leather lining. The condition of the internal compass is noted as damaged, with the glass broken and the needle detached. Several components are listed as missing from the assembly, specifically the gnomon for the universal equatorial dial and the arm used to adjust the latitude for that dial. Despite these absences, the instrument retains its primary engraved surfaces and the silver catch for the horizontal dial's gnomon.
- Timekeeping and Astronomical Functions
- The instrument functions as a multifaceted timekeeper. The horizontal dial is marked with hours from 4 to 12 to 8, with star symbols indicating half-hours. The lunar volvelle is designed to display moon phases and lunar days, with internal rings for hours and minutes to allow for the calculation of the differences between solar and lunar time. A universal equatorial dial is provided within the main box, though its functionality is currently limited by the absence of its gnomon and the latitude adjustment arm. The instrument's versatility is further enhanced by the inclusion of a table relating solar and lunar time, engraved on the inside of the lid, alongside the regional latitude list on the base.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- MLA 1888, 12-1.294
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The universal equatorial dial gnomon is missing
- Research required: The latitude adjustment arm for the equatorial dial is missing
- Research required: Compass needle is detached and the glass is broken