Astronomical Compendium by Hierosme Vize Menusier
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1567
This brass astronomical compendium, measuring 75 x 113 x 8 mm, was produced in 1567 in Pau, France, and signed by Hierosme Vize Menusier. The device functions as a multi-purpose scientific instrument, featuring an upper leaf equipped with a rotating, pierced lunar volvelle and an aspectarium to track lunar phases against an engraved silver plate. , while the interior of the lower leaf displays a 32-point wind rose with multilingual nomenclature and a latitude scale.
The exterior of the lower leaf features a degree scale and a shadow square, alongside an alidade with folding sights. The instrument is secured with a triangular suspension apparatus and a swivel ring, formerly residing in the Spitzer collection.
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
- 1567
- Type
- French astronomical compendium
- Maker
- Hierosme Vize Menusier
- Material
- Brass
- Dimensions
- 75 x 113 x 8 mm
- Provenance
- Spitzer collection
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Hierosme Vize Menusier
- Location of manufacture
- Pau, France
Design
- Visible features
- • Triangular suspension ring atop the upper leaf • Alidade with two folding sights attached to the lower leaf • Wind rose featuring cardinal points marked by flower symbols • Compass cover plate engraved with 'AVRIL'
- Construction and Design
- The compendium is constructed from brass and consists of an upper and lower leaf joined together. The upper leaf exterior acts as a nocturnal, featuring a rotating lunar volvelle and an aspectarium. A degree scale, month names in French, and various hour rings are engraved into the metal. The circular compass cover is integrated into the upper leaf, intersecting the calendar scales. The instrument includes a suspension system with a triangular mount and a swivel ring, allowing for portability. On the exterior of the lower leaf, a counterchanged alidade is fixed with a screw, equipped with two folding sights for sighting purposes. The internal surfaces are densely engraved with astronomical data, including a wind rose and a shadow square for calculations.
- Signatures and Provenance
- The instrument is signed by Hierosme Vize Menusier and dated 1567. The signature is engraved on the exterior of the lower leaf along with the city of origin, Pau. The text is surrounded by decorative floral motifs. The compendium was acquired by the British Museum in 1893 and was previously part of the Spitzer collection. It is cataloged in standard reference literature for the institution's collection of scientific instruments.
- Astronomical and Navigational Features
- The interior surfaces are fitted with specific tools for timekeeping and navigation. The lower leaf contains a wind rose with 32 directions labeled in French, Italian, and English. Adjacent to this is a latitude scale and a compass plate. The instrument also features a universal pin gnomon dial, though the gnomon is currently absent. The shadow square on the lower leaf, labeled with 'VMBRE' and 'DROICTE', allows for geometric measurements. Additional circles on the compass plate display dominical letters and numerical sequences dating to 1570, reflecting ongoing utility or historical modification of the tool.
Identification
- Inventory number
- MLA 1893, 6-16.7
- 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 pin gnomon for the pin gnomon dial is missing.
- Research required: The exact script interpretation of the maker's name is noted as having potential transcription uncertainties marked by brackets in the source