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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · French astronomical compendium

Astronomical Compendium by Hierosme Vize Menusier

Partially verified

This brass astronomical compendium, measuring 75 x 113 x 8 mm, was produced in 1567 in Pau, France, and signed by Hierosme Vize Menusier. The device functions as a multi-purpose scientific instrument, featuring an upper leaf equipped with a rotating, pierced lunar volvelle and an aspectarium to track lunar phases against an engraved silver plate. , while the interior of the lower leaf displays a 32-point wind rose with multilingual nomenclature and a latitude scale. The exterior of the lower leaf features a degree scale and a shadow square, alongside an alidade with folding sights. The instrument is secured with a triangular suspension apparatus and a swivel ring, formerly residing in the Spitzer collection.

The astronomical compendium shown open, displaying the interior of the lower leaf with the wind rose, compass, and alidade, and the interior of the upper leaf with the pin gnomon dial (pin missing).
The astronomical compendium shown open, displaying the interior of the lower leaf with the wind rose, compass, and alidade, and the interior of the upper leaf with the pin gnomon dial (pin missing). — British Museum, London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.mhs.ox.ac.uk
Category
Tool · French astronomical compendium
Maker / attribution
Hierosme Vize Menusier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
MLA 1893, 6-16.7
Source-reported date
1567
Source-reported place
France

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Construction and Design

The compendium is constructed from brass and consists of an upper and lower leaf joined together. The upper leaf exterior acts as a nocturnal, featuring a rotating lunar volvelle and an aspectarium. A degree scale, month names in French, and various hour rings are engraved into the metal. The circular compass cover is integrated into the upper leaf, intersecting the calendar scales.

The instrument includes a suspension system with a triangular mount and a swivel ring, allowing for portability. On the exterior of the lower leaf, a counterchanged alidade is fixed with a screw, equipped with two folding sights for sighting purposes. The internal surfaces are densely engraved with astronomical data, including a wind rose and a shadow square for calculations.

Evidence for this section
  • “The outside of the upper leaf has a rotating pierced lunar volvelle with an aspectarium in the centre.”
  • “The circular compass cover intersects the calendar scale”
  • “A counterchanged and decorated alidade with two folding hole and slit sights is fixed at the centre by means of a screw.”
  • “The instrument has a triangular suspension apparatus ending with a swivel ring.”

Astronomical and Navigational Features

The interior surfaces are fitted with specific tools for timekeeping and navigation. The lower leaf contains a wind rose with 32 directions labeled in French, Italian, and English. Adjacent to this is a latitude scale and a compass plate.

The instrument also features a universal pin gnomon dial, though the gnomon is currently absent. The shadow square on the lower leaf, labeled with 'VMBRE' and 'DROICTE', allows for geometric measurements. Additional circles on the compass plate display dominical letters and numerical sequences dating to 1570, reflecting ongoing utility or historical modification of the tool.

Evidence for this section
  • “The inside of the thicker lower leaf has a wind rose with 32 directions named in French, Italian and English”
  • “The inside of the upper leaf has a universal pin gnomon dial (pin missing)”
  • “A scale of latitudes is inscribed on the left-hand side”
  • “The bottom half is engraved with a shadow square from [0] to 60”

Signatures and Provenance

The instrument is signed by Hierosme Vize Menusier and dated 1567. The signature is engraved on the exterior of the lower leaf along with the city of origin, Pau. The text is surrounded by decorative floral motifs.

The compendium was acquired by the British Museum in 1893 and was previously part of the Spitzer collection. It is cataloged in standard reference literature for the institution's collection of scientific instruments.

Evidence for this section
  • “The centre of the leaf is inscribed '[star] [flower] FEIT [flower] A [flower] PAV [flower] P [flower] [star] [star] [flower] HIER [?] E [star] VIZE [flower] [star] MEN[?]ER [flower] [star] [star] 1567 [star]'”
  • “The instrument was purchased in 1893 and was formerly in the Spitzer collection.”
  • “It is described in F. A. B. Ward, A Catalogue of European Scientific Instruments in the Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities of the British Museum (London, 1981), p. 127, no.366.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific function of the numerical sequence '16B44 D 16F44' on the compass plate?
  • How were the star symbols utilized in conjunction with the half-hour markings?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Astronomical Compendium by Hierosme Vize Menusier
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHierosme Vize Menusier“Signed by Hierosme Vize Menusier”
Date1567“Dated 1567; Pau”
MaterialBrass“Brass; 75 x 113 x 8 mm”
Dimensions75 x 113 x 8 mm“75 x 113 x 8 mm”
Location of manufacturePau, France“The instrument was made in Pau in France.”
Inventory numberMLA 1893, 6-16.7“Registration no. MLA 1893, 6-16.7”
ProvenanceSpitzer collection“formerly in the Spitzer collection”

Visible details

  • Triangular suspension ring atop the upper leaf
  • Alidade with two folding sights attached to the lower leaf
  • Wind rose featuring cardinal points marked by flower symbols
  • Compass cover plate engraved with 'AVRIL'

Research qualifications

  • The pin gnomon for the pin gnomon dial is missing.
  • The exact script interpretation of the maker's name is noted as having potential transcription uncertainties marked by brackets in the source

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Astronomical Compendium

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 9fa2c0ea4e

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other french astronomical compendium records