 000-190-001-023-C © National Museums Scotland |
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Diptych sundial (detail)
Diptych 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 was made in the 17th century in Dieppe in France. The photograph shows the inside of the lid.
The lunar or tidal volvelle is a circular brass disc graduated from 1 to 31, working inside a ring graduated 1-12 twice. It was used to discover the time of high tide in a given port, using the known lunar cycle.
This part of the dial is particularly found in French diptych dials. The inhabitants of the largely land-locked German cities would have no use for such a device.
Record details
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Online ID: |
000-190-001-023-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland T.1924.11 |
Date: |
17th century
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Material: |
Ivory, paper list, brass strut and disc. Inscription: [On base] List of places and latitudes
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Dimensions: |
2.75" x 2.25"
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What: |
Sundial, universal, portable
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Subject: |
20. TIME MEASUREMENT, Sundials (Departmental Classification)
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Who: |
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Where: |
France, Dieppe
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Event: |
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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
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References: |
- For a comparable example, see Lloyd, Steven A., Ivory Diptych Sundials 1570-1750. London & Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard, 1992. p 136
- Turner, G. L'E. Antique Scientific Instruments. Poole: Blandford, 1980. pp 22-3
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