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Quadrant
Unsigned
14th century; English
Brass; 160 mm in radius

This undated and unsigned instrument is a rare example of a quadrans vetus with markings for unequal hours and a movable scale with months and zodiacal signs so that the quadrant can be used at a wide range of latitudes.

The quadrant's design is very similar to the instrument described in a manuscript by John of Montpellier written before 1350. The Gothic letters and numerals of the original inscriptions make it likely that the quadrant was made in the 14th century. The letter forms resemble those found on a number of early English instruments.

British Museum, London
Registration no. MLA 1972,1-4.1

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Basic URL: http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/epact/catalogue.php?ENumber=63514

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