Astronomical Compendium, 1557
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1557
This astronomical compendium, signed by Christoph Schissler and dated 1557, is an octagonal instrument crafted from gilt brass. Measuring 77 x 77 x 15 mm, it comprises three primary leaves featuring complex integrated astronomical and time-reckoning devices.
The upper leaf contains a polar projection of the northern hemisphere on a rotating plate and a map of central Europe on the interior. The central leaf features a compass and a horizontal gnomon dial calibrated for four specific latitudes. The lower leaf incorporates a lunar volvelle, an aspectarium, and a nocturnal for determining time. The outer case is engraved with a commemorative inscription naming Ioannes Rosenberg as the patron.
The instrument is held by the British Museum, having been presented by Maurice Rosenheim in 1913. Its multifaceted design demonstrates the combination of cartography, solar, and lunar timekeeping.
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
- 1557
- Type
- Augsburg astronomical compendium
- Maker
- Christoph Schissler
- Patron
- Ioannes Rosenberg
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Dimensions
- 77 x 77 x 15 mm
- Place recorded
- Augsburg
- Maker / attribution
- Christoph Schissler
- Registration Number
- MLA 1913, 7-10.1
- Place of manufacture
- Augsburg
Design
- Visible features
- • The compendium is octagonal in form and constructed of gilt brass. • The compass needle is reported as detached within the central leaf.
- Construction and Layout
- The compendium is constructed as an octagonal device formed of three main leaves with additional hinged plates. The upper leaf includes a rotating circular plate engraved with a polar projection of the northern hemisphere, surrounded by an hour scale that functions as a pin gnomon dial when equipped with a gnomon. The interior of this leaf features a south-oriented map of central Europe, centered north of Nuremberg and surrounded by a scale of hours with cardinal points named in German. The central leaf houses a compass and a gnomon dial with a folding solid gnomon. The reverse of this central plate provides a detailed list of cities and their associated latitudes across six distinct bands, secured with rose-shaped rivets. In the center of this plate is an engraving of a woman's bust.
- Inscription and Provenance
- The exterior sides of the compendium feature an inscription documenting the commission by Ioannes Rosenberg for his own memory, dated 1557, along with the signature of Christoph Schissler. The piece was presented to the British Museum by Maurice Rosenheim in 1913. The instrument is documented in the 1981 catalogue of European scientific instruments held by the British Museum, identifying it by the inventory number MLA 1913, 7-10.1.
- Astronomical and Timekeeping Functions
- The lower leaf is configured with a lunar volvelle that is pierced to display lunar phases and figures numbered 1 to 29. It also functions as an aspectarium, with two sets of hours engraved along the edge. The exterior of this leaf is engraved with a Rojas projection and a nocturnal for time calculation by the stars, alongside a calendar scale. The horizontal dial in the central leaf is designed for use at latitudes 45, 48, 51, and 54 degrees. The instrument facilitates various astronomical calculations, including sunrise and sunset times and the conversion of different systems of hours.
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 source notes the compass needle is detached.
- Research required: The source reports the gnomon is missing, and the nocturnal index is missing.