000-190-002-053-C
© National Museums Scotland |
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Portable sundial
This silver portable sundial was made in Paris in the 18th century, probably by Jean-Baptiste Delure. This photograph shows the instrument folded out.
The dial is adaptable for use in a range of latitudes. The folding gnomon is adjustable for latitude against a degree scale engraved on its side. The sundial is then orientated with the compass, and the time can be read, if the sun is shining.
Jean-Baptiste Delure's signature is found on a number of surveying instruments, mostly sundials. He was father-in-law to the fifth son of the eminent Parisian instrument maker Nicolas Bion. Jean-Baptiste Nicolas Bion carried on both their businesses until around 1770.
Record details
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| Online ID: |
000-190-002-053-C |
| Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
| Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
| Ref: |
National Museums Scotland T.1923.23 |
| Date: |
18th century
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| Material: |
Silver. Inscription: [A list of places with their latitudes]
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| Dimensions: |
2.63" x 2.75"
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| What: |
Sundial, portable
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| Subject: |
20. TIME MEASUREMENT, Sundials (Departmental Classification)
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| Who: |
Delure, Paris (Sundial maker)
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| Where: |
France, Paris
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| Event: |
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| Description: |
Silver portable sundial, the gnomon in the form of a rod which folds flat, made by Delure, Paris, with a list of places with their latitudes engraved on the back, 18th century
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| References: |
- For Delure, see Augarde, Jean-Dominique, 'La fabrication des instruments scientifiques du XVIIIe siecle et la corporation des fondeurs' in Blondel, C. et al (ed.), Studies in the History of Scientific Instruments, London: 1989, pp 62-3
- For sundials in general, including examples of this type, see Turner, Anthony, Early Scientific Instruments 1400-1800. London: 1987, pp 173-81
- Turner, Anthony, Mathematical instrument-making in early modern Paris' in Fox, Robert & Turner, Anthony, Luxury Trades and Consumerism in Ancien Regime Paris'. Aldershot: 1998, p 82
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