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Horizontal sundial

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made in Paris

Horizontal sundial
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This brass horizontal sundial was made in Paris around 1725 by Nicholas Bion (c.1652-1733), scientific instrument maker to the French king.

The dial is engraved 'Pour 48 degrez 51 minutte' - the angle of the folding gnomon and the latitude of Paris - and is signed 'N.Bion A Paris'. There is a compass with 4 cardinal points and the chapter-ring is engraved with the hours from 4am to 8pm.

While Bion's colleagues tended to be specialists in the making of globes, sundials, mathematical instruments or mechanical devices, Bion could produce all of these items, at a very high standard. He was also author of important texts on instruments.

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