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Scaphe Dial
Signed by Girolamo della Volpaia
Dated 1588; Florence
Wood and brass; 80 mm in diameter

This dial bears on the border the inscription 'NIL NOMEN NIL FAMA IVVAT NIL CANDIDA VIRTVS TEMPVS ENIM RAPIDO SINGVLA DENTE VORAT' referring to the rapid passing of time and to the uselessness of things such as fame or virtue for it.

The reference to teeth as a destroying power is not infrequent among classical Latin writers.

Museum of the History of Science, Oxford
Inventory number 49

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