Astronomical Compendium by Melchior Reichle

Technical characteristics

Date

1568

Type

German astronomical compendium

Maker

Melchior Reichle

Origin

German

Material

Gilt and silvered brass

Signature

MELCHIOR REICHLE VECIT ANNO 1568

Place recorded

Germany

Maker / attribution

Melchior Reichle

Design

Visible features

• Exterior case features foliate scrollwork engravings. • Lunar volvelle includes an aperture revealing lunar phases. • Equatorial dial includes a double hour ring and foldable pin gnomon. • Compass dial shows magnetic variation markers.

Equatorial Dial and Compass

The central portion of the compendium, positioned between the lid and base, is an equatorial dial. This dial is constructed with a foldable pin gnomon and a double hour ring. The outer ring is movable against an inner fixed ring, facilitating the conversion of common hours to Italian or Babylonian time. The dial may be adjusted for latitude using a foldable degree arc. The base of the instrument contains an inset magnetic compass. The plate surrounding the compass is engraved with the eight primary cardinal directions, accompanied by weather indicators in both German and Latin. Additionally, a degree scale for magnetic declination is engraved around the central compass, which is marked with a 10-degree West deviation.

Lid and Nocturnal Functions

The lid of the compendium acts as a functional nocturnal, utilizing a rotating volvelle over a fixed disc. This mechanism is governed by an index arm, which is hinged. The disc is engraved with a calendrical scale showing month names and day counts. An instruction on the volvelle directs the user to align the index pointer with specific stars in the Great Bear. The inside of the lid houses a lunar volvelle used to convert between solar and lunar time. This section incorporates three distinct scales, including two hour scales and a lunar age scale. An aperture allows the user to observe moon phases as represented on the disc beneath the volvelle, while the center features an aspectarium.

Provenance and Geographical Data

The underside of the base features a circular list of thirty geographical locations, each paired with its recorded latitude. This list includes cities such as Vienna, Prague, and Antwerp, among others. The exterior of the brass box is embellished with foliate scrollwork decoration throughout. The compendium was acquired by the British Museum through a presentation by A.W. Franks in 1865. The instrument is documented in F. A. B. Ward's catalogue of European scientific instruments held within the Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities.

Identification

Inventory Number

MLA 1865,6-20.5

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.