Astronomical Compendium
1557
The compendium includes a sundial for four latitudes, a nocturnal dial with chronomatic tables, a compass, tables giving phases of the moon, and a table of latitudes for London, Amsterdam, Oxford, Paris and other cities. Schissler's workshop was famous. He specialised in sundials and compendia and produced instruments for the great Danish astronomer, Tycho Brahe.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Copper, gilt and engraved |
| Brief description | Sheet copper, gilt and engraved, Augsburg, Germany; dated 1557, made by Christopher Schissler |
| Physical description | Astronomical compendium of engraved and gilt copper with three hinged rectangular leaves: 1a). Nocturnal dial with chronometric tables b). Tables for converting solar into lunar time and for giving phases of the moon according to age 2a). Sundial for four latitudes b). Table of latitudes for various places (of which a large proportion are English/Scottish) 3a). Sighting compass with pointer. b). Table of conversion of equal into planetary hours. The spandrels formed by the dials and other suitable spaces are engraved with strapwork and floral ornament. The edges of the instrument are inscribed CRISTOPHORUS SCHISSLER ME FECIT AVGVSTE VINDELICORVM ANNO DOMINI 1557. Dark brown leather case, the edges stamped with fleur-de-lys. Fitted with brass hinge and clasp. The needles and glass of the compass are missing. Signed by Christopher Schissler of Germany (Augsburg), dated 1557 |
| Marks and inscriptions | CRISTOPHORUS SCHISSLER ME FECIT AVGVSTE VINDELICORVM ANNO DOMINI 1557
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| Credit line | Miller Gift |
| Object history | The compendium includes a sundial for four latitudes, a nocturnal dial with chronomatic tables, a compass, tables giving phases of the moon, and a table of latitudes for London, Amsterdam, Oxford, Paris and other cities. Schissler's workshop was famous. He specialised in sundials and compendia and produced instruments for the great Danish astronomer, Tycho Brahe. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Association | |
| Summary | The compendium includes a sundial for four latitudes, a nocturnal dial with chronomatic tables, a compass, tables giving phases of the moon, and a table of latitudes for London, Amsterdam, Oxford, Paris and other cities. Schissler's workshop was famous. He specialised in sundials and compendia and produced instruments for the great Danish astronomer, Tycho Brahe. |
| Bibliographic reference | Patterson, Angus, "The Belinda Gentle Metalware Gallery at the V&A", Journal of the Antique Metalware Society, Volume 13, June 2005, p. 47, Fig. 9 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.167-1938 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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