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Description: | Humfray . Colle . made this . diall . anno . 1569
Astronomical compendium for latitudes 0�-90� North. This oval-shaped instrument has five leaves held together by small brass pegs. Engraved on leaf Ia is an image of Juno, together with three peacocks and two mythical beasts. Leaf Ib contains a lunar volvelle. On leaf IIa is a perpetual calendar and on IIb a table of latitudes. Leaf III is a universal equinoctial dial on which is the maker's signature: 'Humfray . Colle . made this . diall . anno . 1569'.
Leaf IVa holds a compass and a simple theodolite and on leaf IVb is a table of principal ports and harbours. The upper part of this leaf hinges back to reveal the underside of the compass. Leaf Va contains an instrument for finding times of high water. Engraved on leaf Vb is a picture of Jupiter standing on an eagle, surrounded by various creatures and decorations.
Humphrey 'Humfrae' Cole (circa 1520-1591) was one of the finest makers of scientific instruments in England in the time of Queen Elizabeth I. This compendium is made up of a number of different scientific instruments and has many uses, such as, as a compass, a calendar and a geometric square, from which it is possible to calculate anything from high and low tides and the phases of the moon to the height of buildings. This dial is reputed to have belonged to Sir Francis Drake though this is unconfirmed and lacks any supporting evidence (see NMM X2001.029, the letters relating to the provenance of the dial).
For more information regarding this dial please refer to the OUP & NMM catalogue, 'Sundials at Greenwich'.
caption: Astronomical compendium, all leaves
caption: Astronomical compendium, leaves Va and IVb
caption: Astronomical compendium, leaf Ia (Juno)
caption: Astronomical compendium, leaf Vb (Jupiter)
caption: Astronomical compendium, leaves Ib and IIa
caption: Astronomical compendium, leaf IVa, compass and theodolite
caption: Cole astronomical compendium dial | Publisher: | "http://collections.rmg.co.uk/" | Rights holder: | "Royal Museums Greenwich" | Subjects: | astronomical instrument compendia Astronomical Compendium Drake Francis Humphrey astronomical dials Cole Elizabeth: the Exhibition at the National Maritime Museum Sundials at Greenwich Digsby Treasures of the National Maritime Museum Stanhope family King William IV | Source: | Royal Museums Greenwich | Identifier: | http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections... | Go to resource |
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