made in London

Astronomical compendium (open)

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.

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Online ID:	000-100-102-352-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: 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
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
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