Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

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Astronomical Compendium
Signed by Humfrey Cole
Dated 1575; London
Gilt brass; 55 x 23 mm closed

This circular instrument by the renowned English maker Humfrey Cole is very similar to a compendium dating from the same year in the collections of the National Museums in Edinburgh.

It consists of a nocturnal, a latitude list, a universal equatorial sundial, a compass and a perpetual calendar with Saints' days, Dominical letters, Golden numbers and Epacts.

The instrument has a suspension ring which allowed it to be attached to a belt or to be worn on a chain around the owner's neck.

British Museum, London
Registration no. MLA 1888,12-1.293

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