Research & Collections
Historic Scientific Instruments Collection: A Selection
Sundials
M-318. Multiple-faced wooden polyhedral sundial. This instrument combines many dials: a "skaphe" (bowl) sundial, and numerous vertical and horizontal dials reading in both regular and "Italian" hours. It was probably made in Bologna around 1575.
M-324. A large silver and brass sundial made in Germany around 1650. The design comes from Oronce Fine's book on sundials printed in 1565. It bears 29 gnomons, and really demonstrates the Renaissance mathematician's interest in solving intricate puzzles, rather than any practical application of his knowledge.
M-302. Heliochronometer. This instrument is an exceptionally accurate form of sundial designed to allow for the "equation of time," the difference between solar time and mean or "clock" time. This one was made in Stockholm around 1800 by Johann Jacob Sauter.
Almost every conceivable shape has been adapted for use as a sundial by instrument makers. For most of history sundials have been the most reliable and accurate way of telling time, useful whenever the sun was visible. After the widespread adoption of mechanical clocks, sundials were still essential--as a means of setting the clock!