Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

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Inclining Dial
Signed by Johann Christoph Keller
circa 1600; Linz
Brass and wood; 113 x 116 x 67 mm

The dial consists of a plate mounted on gimbals in a wooden case and can be adjusted for any latitude between 45 and 55? by means of a sliding counterpoise. At the centre of the dial is a compass, mounted on pivots to remain horizontal whatever the angle of the dial, marked with the declination and the cardinal points 'SE', 'OR', 'ME', 'OC'. The string gnomon dial indicates common hours numbered from IIII to XII to VIII and bears at the top the signature 'I ? CHRIST KELLER ? LINZI'.

The string is kept by means of a folding brass stand. The wooden case, with brass round feet, appears to be modern.

Ilaria Meliconi

Museum of the History of Science, Oxford
Inventory number 35317

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