File:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland, from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) (14782044392).jpg

Identifier: castellateddomes05macg (find matches)
Title: The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland, from the twelfth to the eighteenth century
Year: 1887 (1880s)
Authors: MacGibbon, David, d. 1902 Ross, Thomas, 1839-1930
Subjects: Architecture Architecture, Domestic Castles
Publisher: Edinburgh : D. Douglas
Contributing Library: University of California Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Internet Archive

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e havenot met with any explanation of what is meant by that expression.We believe, however, that an illustration in an article in the Magazineof Art (Cassell & Company, November 1891), by W. Fred. Dickes, entitled The Mystery of Holbeins Ambassadors, may suggest the source fromwhich the lectern-shaped dials derived their peculiar form. The picturecontains representations of several sundials (not of this type), whileastronomical and musical instruments are distributed on the table, ateither end of which the ambassadors stand. These instruments are usedby Mr. Dickes to prove who the ambassadors were, being, as he makesout, the Counts Palatine—Otto Henry, born 1502, and his brother Philip.One of the instruments represented is the torquetum of Apian, by meansof which the position of sun, moon, or stars can be indicated at any SUNDIALS 423 SUNDIALS hour, &c. Apian was professor of mathematics at Ingolstadt, andpublished numerous books. One of his works, called the Hook of Instru-
Text Appearing After Image:
PiG. 1589.—Woodhouselee.Front View. Fig. 1590.—Woodhouselee.Back View. SUNDIALS 424 SUNDIALS ments (1533), contains various figures, one of wliicli, reproduced byMr. Dickes, seems undoubtedly to indicate the source from which thelectern-shaped dial derives its origin ; it is simply an astronomical instru-ment of this kind converted into stone. The study of astronomy andthe invention of all kinds of instruments connected with it were verycommon in the sixteenth century; and the above figure, or some similarone invented for astronomical purposes, has in all probability suggested theshape of the dials we are now considering. Possibly, if search were made,earlier examples of a similar form might be discovered abroad. Woodhouselee, Midlothian.—This is the most elaborate dial of thetype. It consists (Figs. 1589 and 1590) of a broad spreading base, fromwhich rises a twisted shaft 8 inches in diameter, with a cap on top; and,including base and cap, it is 3 feet 9 inches high. The total

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