Add to albumDiptych sundials have two plates hinged together, and in use open out to form a right angle, with the string hinge operating as a gnomon. This ivory example (pictured here closed) was made in the 17th century in Dieppe in France.
The lid of the instrument has an equinoctial dial marked 1-12 twice for use in spring and summer months. The centre metal rivet has a hole for a pin gnomon, now missing. The ornamentation around the edge is typical of Dieppe dials.
The equinoctial dial is the simplest form of equal-hour sundial. It can be used at any latitude, provided it is inclined correctly.
Record details
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- Online ID: 000-190-001-024-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
National Museums Scotland
Project description View all records in project
- Ref: National Museums Scotland T.1924.11
- Date: 17th century
- Material: Ivory, paper list, brass strut and disc. Inscription: [On base] List of places and latitudes
Sundial, universal, portable
- Dimensions: 2.75" x 2.25"
- What: Sundial, universal, portable
- Subject: 20. TIME MEASUREMENT, Sundials (Departmental Classification)
- Who:
- Where: France, Dieppe
- Event:
- Description: French portable universal sundial in ivory, book form, base with sunk compass, horizontal dial and list of places and latitudes, with equinoctial dial on lid, unsigned, Dieppe, 17th century
- References:
- For a comparable example, see Lloyd, Steven A., Ivory Diptych Sundials 1570-1750. London & Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard, 1992. p 136, also pp 19-23
- Turner, G. L'E. Antique Scientific Instruments. Poole: Blandford, 1980. pp 22-3
- Translations:
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