Page 1

Dialogue - Antique Clocks, Fold Es Eg 90/7, Alte Uhren

This section reviews articles in "Antique Clocks" including "The Sundial Page" by Christopher Daniel, discussing the Greenwich Sundial and declination furniture, and a heliochronometer. It also mentions a Hungarian journal's article on a 1462 astrolabe and a German publication on dialling. Some computer programs are advertised as available. An exhibition in Amsterdam "Images of Time" is mentioned and a video by Hans Behrendt "Glass Window DIals".
Book Reviews

Charles K. Aked

Page 3

The Hampton Court Dial of John Marr, 1631

This is the first instalment reproducing John Marr's 1631 description (held in the British Library) of his elaborate dial at Hampton Court, considered one of the most intricate ever made. It details the dial's physical form, its various lines and circles including tropics, equinoctial, parallels, altitude circles, azimuths, and seasonal (Judaicall) and hour lines, and the ecliptic with Zodiac signs.
Historical Dials, Sundial Design & Layout

Andrew R Somerville

Page 4

Sundials in the Afternoon - Notice of Meeting

This is a notice for a meeting on 10th November 1990 in Crowthorne, Berkshire. Doug Bateman will speak on the restoration of a vertical declining dial with an analemma at Dial House, and Christopher St. J. Daniel will discuss its original maker, Joseph Alfred Hardcastle.
Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials, Restoration projects

Page 5

On Reflected Ceiling Dials

This article explores the history and theory of reflected ceiling sundials, referencing figures like Isaac Newton and Christopher Wren. It discusses examples such as the Palazzo Spada in Rome, the Lycee Stendhal in Grenoble, and a unique staircase dial in Saint-Antoine-en-Vienne, along with their design principles and historical context.
Dials: Reflected, Historical Dials, Sundial Design & Layout

René R.-J. Rohr

Page 12

The Spherical Sundial

This article discusses various forms of spherical sundials, from simple painted stone spheres to the ancient concave hemisphere (Scaphe or Hemicycle) and the later, less effective, convex hemisphere. It also explores the projection of spherical coordinates onto a plane, linking them to the discovery of the analemmatic dial.
Dials: Hemispherical, Historical Dials, Dials: Scaphe, Dials: Armillary Sphere

Peter I. Drinkwater

Page 14

Minimum Length of Gnomon

This article addresses the calculation of a gnomon's length for a sundial, clarifying that it's about the ratio of the shadow-casting edge to the distance from the root of the shadow casting edge to the dial plate's edge. It critiques Mr. Sylvester's diagram, presents a pseudo-geometrical medieval method, and provides trigonometric formulas for calculation.
Mathematics of Dialling, Sundial Design & Layout

Peter I. Drinkwater

Page 15

Seasonal-Hour Sundials for the British Isles

This article explains seasonal hours, a duodecimal system of dividing daylight used before mechanical clocks. It provides accurate patterns for horizontal and vertical seasonal-hour sundials suitable for latitudes 50-60° in the British Isles, noting that hour lines are shallow curves rather than straight.
Dials: Horizontal, Dials: Vertical, Sundial Design & Layout

Allan A. Mills

Page 22

Dr Andrew R. Somerville - A Personal Appreciation

This appreciation describes Andrew Somerville's crucial role in founding the British Sundial Society (BSS) in 1989. It recounts his initiatives, including lectures, conferences (like the Oxford Gnomonics Conference), and future plans for the society, highlighting his dedication, intellect, and modesty in dialling endeavours.
The BSS and Members

Charles K. Aked

Page 24

Some Sundial Safaris with Andrew Somerville

This article recounts G.R. Higgs' sundial exploration trips with Andrew Somerville across Scotland, focusing on discovering and restoring historical dials. Notable examples include a 57-face lectern dial at Hensol House, finding a cube dial in a rockery, and working on the Glamis Castle dial, including one designed by Andrew himself.
Dials: Multi Faced, Historical Dials, The BSS and Members

George R. Higgs

Page 25

Book Reviews

Reviews cover "Cadrans Solaires de Precision - Notions theoriques et realisation a I'aide de I'informatique" by Yves Opizzo and "The Ancient Sundials of Scotland" by Dr. Andrew R. Somerville;
Book Reviews

Charles K. Aked

Page 26

Q for Question

This article, presented in a question-and-answer format, describes a didactic hemispherical sundial that models the Earth's relationship to the sun. It explains how the shadow of a bead indicates date and time, distinguishes it from ancient Greek dials, and clarifies why it needs occasional adjustment about its axis to display clock time.
Dials: Hemispherical, Equation of Time, How Sundials Work

George P. Woodford

Page 27

Profile - Charles K. Aked

This profile outlines Charles K. Aked's career from industrial chemist to Principal Scientific Officer in the Royal Naval Scientific Service. It highlights his extensive contributions to horology, including editing books, founding AHS groups, being a Fellow of NAWCC, and his current roles as Editor of the British Sundial Society Bulletin and The Clockmaker.
The BSS and Members

Page 27

Poem - 'The Forgotten Sundial'

A poem reflecting on a sundial's neglect after a tree grows and casts a permanent shadow over its face. It expresses the sundial's longing to be restored to sunlight and function again, lamenting its current state as a forgotten, shaded monument.

Page 28

Andrew Somerville Memorial Fund

This announcement officially opens a memorial fund for the late Chairman, Andrew Somerville, following his tragic death. It solicits contributions from members and invites suggestions for the form the memorial should take, with deliberations to be held at the next BSS Council meeting.
The BSS and Members

David A. Young

Page 28

Making a Start - Vertical Sundial

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for beginners to construct a south-facing vertical sundial using basic geometry. It covers drawing hour lines at 15° intervals and determining gnomon placement, encouraging readers to transfer their design to a permanent plate and understand the difference between local solar time and clock time.
DIY Sundial Projects, Dials: Vertical, Sundial Design & Layout

Page 30

Pages from F. Barker & Sons Ltd. Sundial Catalogue

This entry presents excerpts from a Francis Barker & Son Ltd. sundial catalogue, showcasing various dial types, prices, and services. It includes illustrations of horizontal dials, advice on placement, suitable mottoes, and other meteorological instruments, reflecting historical sundial offerings and sentiments.
Historical Dials, Mottoes

Page 31

The Nelson Touch?

This article humorously discusses a correspondence in The Times concerning an April Fool proposal to turn Nelson's Column and Trafalgar Square into a giant sundial commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar. The correspondence critiques the impracticality of such a design based on gnomonic principles, while also providing historical details on timekeeping during the battle.
Dials: Horizontal, Historical Dials, How Sundials Work

Charles K. Aked