Quadrant by Christian Heiden
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1553
This brass quadrant, measuring 102 mm in radius, is constructed in a square form. It is signed by Christian Heiden and dated 1553. The instrument features a movable rule pivoted at the apex and sights positioned on one straight edge.
The front face includes a shadow square, unequal hour lines, a graduation for a general quadrant, and a grid designed for determining solar declination and latitude. The reverse side bears a Regiomontanus-type dial, a table of zodiacal signs, and a catalogue of latitudes for 37 German towns. The device is extensively inscribed with Latin annotations regarding its mathematical and astronomical functions, including zodiacal symbols and geographical directions.
Finely engraved foliate decoration ornaments the reverse. The physical configuration departs from the conventional quarter-circle shape commonly associated with quadrant instruments of the period.
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
- 1553
- Type
- German quadrant
- Maker
- Christian Heiden
- Radius
- 102 mm
- Country
- German
- Signature
- CHRISTIANVS HEIDEN MATHEMATVM studiosus faciebat ANNO CHRISTI M D LIII
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Christian Heiden
Design
- Visible features
- • Movable sighting rule pivoted at the apex • Extensive Latin inscriptions and scales throughout • Foliate decoration on the reverse face
- Design and Configuration
- The quadrant is fabricated from brass with a radius of 102 mm. Unlike standard quadrants that follow a circular arc, this object adopts a square geometry. It is equipped with two sights on one straight edge and a movable rule that pivots from the apex. The rule itself serves sighting purposes and bears specific inscriptions, including 'DIOPTRA' and 'LINEA FIDUCIAE'. Every edge of the square is marked with a cardinal direction, including 'MEDIVM COELI' and 'LATVS BOREVM', facilitating orientation for astronomical use.
- Signature and Identification
- The object is identified by a signature on the face near the edge opposite the apex. The inscription identifies the maker as Christian Heiden and records the date of manufacture as 1553, attributing the work to him in his capacity as a 'mathematicum studiosus'. The inventory number 38947 is assigned by the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford. The instrument is documented as being produced in Germany during the mid-16th century.
- Astronomical Scales and Functions
- The face contains complex grid layouts and scales. These include a shadow square, unequal hour lines, and a 'QVADRANS GENERALIS' graduated from 0 to 90. Zodiacal symbols are integrated into the declination diagram to assist in sun observation. The reverse side functions as a Regiomontanus-type dial. It contains additional scales and a table of common hours, divided into periods before and after midday, along with a list detailing the latitudes of 37 German cities.
Identification
- Reference
- 38947
- Inventory number
- 38947
- 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 exact mathematical precision of the historical latitude data is unverified
- Research required: The functional performance of the instrument remains untested