Overview

Sundials at Greenwich is the first full-scale catalogue of the collection of sundials, nocturnals, and horary quadrants of the National Maritime Museum. This collection composes one of the most important resources for the study of the history of sundials, particularly of portable sundials, and is world-renowned for its significance. Detailed entries are provided for all the instruments, and each object is illustrated, with the most significant dials photographed in colour. The catalogue itself is divided into the various types of sundial, and each section is arranged chronologically for ease of reference. Sundials from the Far East and from the Islamic countries are treated separately from European instruments; nocturnals and horary quadrants are grouped in their own sections; and a final section is devoted to imitation instruments. The catalogue is preceded by chapters by world experts in the field, setting the sundials within their cultural context and exploring their use, history, and significance. Detailed appendices at the end of the volume provide information on the makers of the instruments, full references to the Museum's various numbering systems, and a glossary of relevant terms. There is also a comprehensive index of names. The catalogue is of great importance to historians of science interested in the development of scientific instruments, and supplies a comprehensive documentation of an important scientific collection. It will be of use to researchers in the history of science, astronomy, navigation, and scientific instruments, and is also recommended to all collectors of sundials.

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9780198508779

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Reviews

It is not surprising to learn that a catalogue of this calibre took seven years to prepare. It was worth the time, for Hington and her co-authors have produced a work that will facilitate and encourage further interest in and study of the sundials, horary quadrants and nocturnals in the National Maritime Museum's collections. British Scoiety for the History of Science ... a massive and beautiful tome packed with information on, and photographs of, the sundials in the collection of the National Maritime Museum ... a marvellous book, well thought-through, well written and well produced ... it will no doubt find its way on to the shelves of dialling enthusiasts across the world. Clocks The collection is catalogued in extraordinary detail. Nature

Author Information

Hester Higton is at the School of English, University of Exeter. She was previously Curator of Sundials at the National Maritime Museum, London

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