Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

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Nocturnal
Unsigned
16th century ?; German
Brass; 87mm in length

The nocturnal side has a date scale on the base plate, with the months indicated by their initials and divided to 1/6. A volvelle plate rotates above this and is divided into 24 hours, 8 to 12 to 8 being numbered and marked with points, with a long pointer at 12 midnight. half-hours between the numbered hours are marked by arrows. An index arm with a shaped tip pivots on a central, pierced rivet. Shaped and pierced handle.

On the volvelle side the base plate is divided into hours 1 to 12 twice. The moving plate is divided 0 to 30, numbered by 1, with a pointer at 0 / 30.

Jim Bennett

Museum of the History of Science, Oxford
Inventory number 37450

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