Astronomical Compendium, Later 16th century (802710)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Later 16th century
This circular astronomical compendium, measuring 66 mm in diameter, is constructed of gilt brass and signed with the initials 'C. S.', which are attributed to the Augsburg maker Christoph Schissler.
The compendium functions as an inclining sundial and includes a lunar volvelle, a planetary hour conversion volvelle, and a compass. The base, gnomon, and reverse of the dial plate feature acid-etched strapwork and foliage ornament. The instrument includes a folding gnomon and a central compass bowl marked with cardinal points and a wind rose. A folding latitude scale that originally accompanied the device is now missing, although its reconstructed range has been estimated at 43 to 60 degrees.
The device is part of the collection of the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford, and features a variety of scales for calculating planetary, Italian, and common hours, as well as lunar phases and astrological information.
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
- Date
- Later 16th century
- Type
- Augsburg astronomical compendium
- Maker
- Christoph Schissler
- Diameter
- 66 mm
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Signature
- C S
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Place of origin
- Augsburg
- Maker / attribution
- Christoph Schissler
Design
- Visible features
- • Acid-etched strapwork and foliage decoration on the dial plate • Folding gnomon with spring mechanism • Compass with wind rose and cardinal points • Integrated lunar volvelle with moon face aperture
- Construction and Design
- The astronomical compendium is a circular gilt brass instrument measuring 66 mm in diameter, comprising a box, a cover, and a hinged ring leaf. The base and gnomon are decorated with acid-etched strapwork and foliage. Inside the box, a compass with a 22 mm diameter bowl is fixed, featuring a wind rose with pointers identifying eight cardinal directions in Italian, with additional subdivisions. The primary timekeeping element is an inclining sundial equipped with a folding gnomon. The dial plate, which includes a circular aperture for the compass, originally functioned with a folding latitude scale; however, this component is currently missing.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The compendium is held in the collection of the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford, under inventory number 55301. The instrument is attributed to the maker Christoph Schissler based on the initials 'C. S.' and consistent acid-etched decorative patterns found on his other known works. A historical note included with the object documents a reconstruction of the missing latitude scale by collector Lewis Evans, providing evidence for the instrument's intended operational latitude range. This scrap of paper serves as primary documentation for the functional gaps and historical efforts to complete the device.
- Astronomical and Astrological Functions
- The cover of the compendium serves as a multifunctional plate. Its outer face features a volvelle for converting common, planetary, and Italian hours, utilizing a rotating index engraved with zodiac symbols. A central disc displays an astrological table determining planetary rule over the hours, arranged by the days of the week. The reverse of the cover contains a lunar volvelle for tracking the age and phases of the moon. This component includes a circular aperture displaying a moon face and an engraved diagram of aspects, such as conjunction, opposition, and trine, to assist with astrological calculations. The internal dial plate is signed 'C S' in the night-time space.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 55301
- 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: Original folding latitude scale is missing
- Research required: Attribution to Christoph Schissler based on initials 'C.S.' and stylistic comparison