Astronomical Compendium by Sebastian Thibault Dreux
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1588
This brass astronomical compendium, dated 1588, is constructed in a book-form measuring 73 x 59 x 11 mm when closed. Signed by the French maker Sebastian Thibault Dreux, it incorporates a universal equinoctial sundial, a compass, a quadrant, and a nocturnal.
The exterior features a swivelling suspension ring attached to the spine. While the maker's signature is in Latin, the instrument's text is predominantly in Portuguese. The compendium functions as a comprehensive navigation and time-measuring tool, including latitude tables primarily focused on Portuguese territories in Africa and Asia. The object is held by the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford.
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
- 1588
- Type
- French astronomical compendium
- Maker
- Sebastian Thibault Dreux
- Origin
- France
- Dimensions
- 73 x 59 x 11 mm
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Sebastian Thibault Dreux
Design
- Visible features
- • Engraved latitude tables in Portuguese covering diverse global locations. • Integrated silvered compass bowl marked with cardinal directions. • Book-form housing with a swivelling suspension ring on the spine. • Decorative engraving featuring wind-blowing cherub heads at compass corners.
- Instrument Components
- The compendium is structured as a folding book containing multiple time-keeping and navigational elements. The upper portion houses a universal solar and lunar equinoctial dial equipped with an alidade and lunar volvelle. A folding support, stored within the compass section, facilitates the setting of the dial. The base section contains a compass bowl with a silvered plate marking the cardinal points. The interior covers provide additional utility, including a quadrant with a shadow square and a nocturnal with a folding index for star observation. The exterior covers are decorated with fruit and foliage engraving and include latitude data for various locations.
- Inscriptions and Tables
- The instrument displays extensive geographical and temporal information primarily in Portuguese. Latitude tables for 32 locations are inscribed on the reverse, with an additional 25 locations listed along the edges. These represent regions outside of Europe, specifically Portuguese territories in Africa and Asia. The quadrant plate includes a circular table of dominical letters and golden numbers, both marked to begin in 1588. The lunar table, titled 'Taboa da Lua', features columns corresponding to the 19-year lunar cycle and the months of the year. The signature 'Ego Sebastianus Thibault Dreux Fesit [sic]' is located within the quadrant plate.
- Provenance and Condition
- The object is held in the collection of the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford. The provenance is linked to the historical Portuguese maritime trade, as indicated by the specific focus of the latitude tables. The auction/museum description notes that the sights on the alidade are modern replacements, indicating some historical intervention. The general state of the brass casing and engraving is consistent with its 16th-century origin, featuring decorative elements such as wind-blowing cherub heads and botanical motifs.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 51027
- 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: Sights on the alidade are identified as modern replacements.
- Research required: The 19-year lunar cycle table is presumed rather than confirmed by explicit marking.
- Research required: The nocturnal is constructed for a specific star in Scorpio, but the exact utility remains historically inferred.