Astronomical Compendium by Charles Whitwell
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1600
This astronomical compendium, attributed to the maker Charles Whitwell circa 1600, is constructed from an ivory box measuring 66 mm in diameter. It incorporates multiple functional components including a high-tide calculator, a lunar volvelle, a horizontal sundial, and a magnetic compass.
The exterior lid features a tide-finding instrument with fixed scales and a volvelle. Internally, the lid holds a lunar volvelle with an engraved plate, an aspectarium, and a circular aperture for indicating moon phases. The lower section contains a horizontal dial equipped with a pierced, folding gnomon featuring decorative strapwork. A magnetic compass is set into the base, displaying a hand-painted compass card with thirty-two points.
The name 'C Whitwell' is inscribed on the sundial hour ring. The object is held by the British Museum, London.
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
- circa 1600
- Type
- English astronomical compendium
- Maker
- Charles Whitwell
- Diameter
- 66 mm
- Materials
- Gilt brass and ivory
- Place recorded
- London
- Compass details
- Painted compass card with 32 points
- Maker / attribution
- Charles Whitwell
- Registration Number
- MLA 1854,1-3.1
Design
- Visible features
- • Ivory box construction with gilt brass insets • Pierced folding gnomon with decorative strapwork • Painted compass card in beige, yellow, orange, and green • Inscription 'C Whitwell' on the horizontal dial hour ring
- Signatures and Provenance
- The compendium is inscribed with the signature of the maker, 'C Whitwell'. This inscription is positioned on the horizontal dial's hour ring, located between the markings for 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. This placement serves to identify the maker within the functional layout of the instrument. The item was acquired by the British Museum in 1854 and is documented in the institutional literature, specifically within the catalogue of European scientific instruments compiled by F. A. B. Ward.
- Construction and Exterior Components
- The compendium is constructed primarily from ivory, forming a circular box secured by a brass clasp. The exterior of the lid features an instrument specifically designed for calculating high tide at designated ports. This external mechanism consists of a fixed disc featuring two distinct scales and a central volvelle. The outer scale is configured as an hour ring numbered twice from I to XII, while the inner fixed scale identifies sixteen compass points by their initial letters. The integrated volvelle includes a pointer and is inscribed with the age of the moon, calibrated from 1 to 29 1/2 days and divided into half-day increments.
- Internal Lunar and Horological Instruments
- The interior lid houses a lunar volvelle comprising an engraved plate and two rotating discs, each equipped with an index. The plate displays two circular scales: one representing the Julian calendar with English month names and the other marked with Latin names for zodiacal signs, each subdivided into thirty-degree segments. Within the base, a horizontal dial is mounted, featuring an hour ring marked with Roman numerals from IIII to XII to VIII. The time is indicated by a pierced folding gnomon, which features decorative strapwork. The base of the instrument also contains a magnetic compass with a painted card displaying thirty-two compass points and a 360-degree scale.
Identification
- 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 exact date is given as circa 1600
- Research required: Attribution to Charles Whitwell is based on the inscription