Astronomical compendium (open)

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This astronomical compendium - a nocturnal, a latitude list, a pocket sun-dial, compass and calendar combined - was made in London in 1575 by Humphrey Cole, a notable instrument maker. This picture shows the compendium open.

The leaf on the left (the lid) contains the calender, the one on the right (the base) the compass. A universal equatorial sundial is hinged between the two. There is a loop for suspension so that when closed, the instrument can be worn around the neck.

Humphrey Cole was the first native-born English maker of scientific instruments. 26 of his instruments have survived, many made in precious metals for wealthy customers, such as Sir Francis Drake.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-352-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NL 18
• Date: 1575
  
• Material: Gilt brass. Inscription: THIS TABLE BEGINNETH AT 1572 AND SO FOREVER ETC
  Compendium dial, pocket / sundial / compass / calendar
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Compendium dial, pocket / sundial / compass / calendar
  
• Subject: Jewellery: clocks, watches (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Humphrey Cole, London (Maker)
  
• Where: England, London
  
• Event:
• Description: Pocket compendium dial of gilt-brass, with sundial, compass and calendar combined, made by Humphrey Cole, London, 1575
  
• References:
  • Gunther, R.T. The Great Astrolabe and Other Scientific Instruments of Humphrey Cole. Archaeologia 76 (1926), pp 273-317, esp. p 289 
• Translations:
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