Astronomical Compendium, circa 1600 ? (5ebcf7)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1600 ?
This astronomical compendium, held by the British Museum (MLA 1886, 5-11.6), is a remnant of a larger instrument consisting only of a hinged gilt brass case and lid.
Measuring 58 x 58 x 14 mm, the object is unsigned and attributed to English origin, dating to approximately 1600. The external and internal surfaces are heavily engraved with concentric rings containing data for ecclesiastical calculations, including Dominical letters, Epacts, Golden numbers, and the date of Quadragesima and Easter. Central rings on the lid facilitate zodiacal and monthly solar calculations, while the spandrel spaces feature foliate engraving.
The interior of the box remains empty, and the case retains a ring for suspension. This instrument was presented to the museum by A.W. Franks in 1886 , documented in F. A. B. Ward's catalogue of European scientific instruments.
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
- English astronomical compendium
- Heraldry
- Shield featuring arms of Stanhope, Mauleval, Longvilers, and Lexington
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Engraving
- Concentric rings for Easter and zodiacal calculations
- Dimensions
- 58 x 58 x 14 mm
- Provenance
- Presented by A.W. Franks in 1886
- Place recorded
- England
Design
- Visible features
- • Hinged gilt brass construction • Engraved concentric calculation rings • Foliate decorative spandrels • Suspension ring attached to the spine
- Case and Exterior Decoration
- The instrument is contained within a square-shaped, hinged gilt brass case. The exterior surfaces are densely engraved with concentric rings used to assist the user with astronomical and ecclesiastical calculations. The layout includes specific tables for the 'Leap Yare', Dominical Letters, Golden numbers, and Epacts. The spandrels in the corners of both the lid and the box are adorned with foliate decorative motifs. A small ring is fixed to the central hinge, which would have allowed for the instrument to be suspended when in use. The case measures 58 x 58 x 14 mm.
- Documentation and Provenance
- This object was acquired by the British Museum in 1886, having been presented by A.W. Franks. It is classified as an astronomical compendium of English origin, with the dating suggested as circa 1600. No signature of a maker is present on the object. The instrument is referenced in the academic literature, specifically in F. A. B. Ward's 1981 work, 'A Catalogue of European Scientific Instruments in the Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities of the British Museum'. The current condition reflects that only the brass case and lid have survived, with the rest of the internal astronomical apparatus missing.
- Inner Lid and Functional Data
- The interior of the lid features a quartered heraldic shield representing the families of Stanhope, Mauleval, Longvilers, and Lexington. The central rings on the lid are specifically dedicated to solar calculations, indicating when the sun enters a particular zodiacal sign. These rings are labeled with the initials of months and the names of zodiacal symbols. The exterior of the box provides further tables, including the identification of Prime Numbers, the Dominical Letter, and the calculations for Quadragesima and Easter Sunday. While the engraving remains clear, the interior of the box itself is currently empty, lacking the internal components that would have once comprised the complete instrument.
Identification
- Inventory number
- MLA 1886, 5-11.6
- 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: Date is attributed with uncertainty ('circa 1600 ?')
- Research required: Internal components are missing as the box is empty