Astronomical Compendium, circa 1600 (b48e0a)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1600
This unsigned astronomical compendium, held by the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford, is an instrument constructed of gilt brass measuring 53 x 50 x 18 mm.
Formed to resemble a small book with a curved spine and clasp, its exterior covers feature simple circular engraved decorations. The internal components integrate a vertical pin-gnomon sundial for Italian hours, a circular table tracking solar motion by zodiac signs, a central scaphe sundial for Italian hours between 10 and 24, and an inset compass with a blued needle surrounded by a 16-point wind rose. The interior of the back cover contains a midnight-time table for the entire year.
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
- Italian astronomical compendium
- Latitude
- Approximately 41 degrees
- Materials
- Gilt brass
- Dimensions
- 53 x 50 x 18 mm
- Place recorded
- Italy
- Attributed date
- circa 1600
- Compass details
- 16 winds with Italian initial letters
- Attributed origin
- Italy
Design
- Visible features
- • Compendium fashioned as a book with a clasp. • Internal blued steel compass needle. • Engraved gilt brass surfaces throughout. • Scaphe dial located within the central box.
- Sundials and Tables
- The internal face of the front cover functions as a vertical pin-gnomon sundial calibrated for Italian hours from 14 to 24. This dial also marks the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, as well as the equator at Libra and Aries. Positioned beneath this dial is a circular table, the 'TABVLA S[OLI]S MOTVS', which records the sun's movement through the zodiac signs across the months of the year. The inside of the back cover is engraved with a circular table titled 'MEDIA NOX PER TOTVMV ANNVM'. This table provides the time of midnight in Italian hours and minutes for two points throughout each month. This specific data allows for the inference of the instrument's intended geographical use at a latitude of approximately 41 degrees.
- Attribution and Origin
- Although the compendium bears no maker's signature, its construction features indicate an Italian origin. The use of the Italian hour system and the employment of Italian names for the compass winds support this attribution. Furthermore, the internal tables contain data points consistent with a latitude of approximately 41 degrees. This specific latitude aligns with the geographical location of Naples, reinforcing the connection between the instrument and Italy.
- Construction and Exterior
- The astronomical compendium is constructed from gilt brass, measuring 53 mm by 50 mm by 18 mm. Its physical configuration follows a book-like format, complete with a curved spine and an integrated clasp to keep the instrument closed when not in use. The outer covers are finished with simple circular engraved decorative patterns. The interior contains a series of functional components necessary for determining time and solar information. The central box houses a scaphe-style sundial designed for Italian hours ranging from 10 to 24. This section also incorporates an inset magnetic compass featuring a blued needle, surrounded by a compass rose showing 16 winds marked with the initials of their Italian names.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 54522
- 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: Maker and exact place of origin remain unidentified.
- Research required: Latitude attribution based on inferred table calculations rather than maker's markings.