Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

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Diptych Dial
Signed by Hans Tucher
circa 1600; Nuremberg
Ivory and brass; 79 x 101 x 11 mm

This dial is still kept in its original case of wood covered with leather; it was originally painted and tooled but the gold paint has almost completely faded.

The dial is inscribed with indications about its use and with mottoes. The compass has an unusual silver base, and the string gnomon dial is adjustable for seven different latitudes. Nevertheless, in the dial the latitudes are misplaced, making the use of the instrument difficult, if not impossible.

Museum of the History of Science, Oxford
Inventory number 37419

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