Column sundial

From Object Wiki

Column sundial
Manufacturer	(unknown)
Production years	17th century
Production location	(unknown)

This seventeenth-century instrument is similar in principle to the adjacent sixteenth-century column sundial, but the column is surmounted by a figure of a dragon, the tail of which serves as the gnomon.

[edit] How it works

A sundial is used measure time by casting a shadow using a stick called a gnomon onto a dial which is marked with hours. Because the earth moves at the same speed everyday the movement of the shadow will also be fairly predictable. This was designed for use in a latitude of 450.

[edit] Memories

Do you remember stories about Column sundials? Add your memories.

[edit] In the Science Museum's Records

Inv. No: 1883-132