Astronomical Compendium by Philippe Danfrie
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1590
This astronomical compendium, measuring 97 x 97 mm, is crafted from gilt brass and silver. Signed by Philippe Danfrie, the instrument features an octagonal body with a hinged top plate, a suspension ring, and extensive engraving.
It functions as a multipurpose tool incorporating a nocturnal, a universal equinoctial sundial, a compass, sights, a circle, and a shadow square. The front face contains the nocturnal, which includes calendar and zodiac scales, alongside a silver hour ring for both common and Italian hours. The reverse of the cover lists latitudes for 32 European cities and bears the signature 'Philipus Danfrie fecit'. The main body houses the compass and a latitude scale for setting the equinoctial dial.
The back cover plate contains an alidade with folding pin sights and a shadow square. Decorative elements include floral motifs, a wheatsheaf, and an engraved coat of arms.
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 1590
- Type
- French astronomical compendium
- Maker
- Philippe Danfrie
- Country
- French
- Materials
- Gilt brass and silver
- Signature
- Philipus Danfrie fecit
- Dimensions
- 97 x 97 mm
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Philippe Danfrie
Design
- Visible features
- • Octagonal gilt brass body with hinged lid. • Engraved table of 32 European city latitudes. • Integrated magnetic compass within the base. • Folding pin sights and index arm.
- Body and Nocturnal Assembly
- The instrument consists of a gilt brass octagonal body, equipped with a hinged top plate and a swivelling suspension ring. The exterior is covered in intricate engraving, while the interior of the cover displays a table of latitudes for 32 cities ranging from Edinburgh to Granada, headed 'ELEVATIO POLI ARC'. The maker’s signature, 'Philipus Danfrie fecit', is engraved beneath this list. The front face is dominated by a nocturnal, featuring scales for the zodiac and calendar months. These scales are decorated with specific symbols, including a flower for June and a wheatsheaf for August. The nocturnal mechanism utilizes a silver hour ring, divided into 'Horae Comunes' and 'Horae Italice', with index pointers designed for tactile use.
- Dialling and Compass Mechanisms
- A universal equinoctial dial is integrated into the instrument, requiring the use of the latitude scale on the base and the hinged support for the dial plate. A circular compass, 49 mm in diameter, is situated on the same face, marked with cardinal points in Latin and lines representing eight principal directions. The surrounding scale is graduated in degrees. The dial function relies on the alignment of the semi-circular gnomon with the sun. Despite the complexity of the design, the ordinary hour scale currently reads approximately 8 o'clock at midday, and the Italian hour scale appears fixed, which complicates necessary seasonal adjustments.
- Back Plate and Additional Instrumentation
- The reverse cover features an alidade equipped with two folding pin sights, utilized in conjunction with a circular degree scale for observations. This plate is slightly recessed to allow the alidade to sit flush with the body when closed. The interior portion of the back plate includes a shadow square divided into 'VMBRA RECTA' and 'VMBRA VERSA'. Furthermore, an engraved roundel featuring a coat of arms is present. The right quadrant contains a diagram for 'Horae inaequales', though the lack of graduation on the alidade suggests that the instrument required external information regarding the sun's maximum altitude for effective operation.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 44194
- 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 ordinary equal hours scale is incorrectly oriented.
- Research required: The Italian hours scale appears to be fixed, complicating its seasonal adjustment.
- Research required: The alidade lacks graduation, hindering the use of the unequal hours diagram.