June 1998 page 4
Denis Schneider

Ancient Egyptian Shadow Clocks

A history of ancient Egyptian methods of time measurement, from early shadow clocks to later step-sundials. It explains how these instruments worked, their limitations, and mentions the work of Jean-Francois Champollion in identifying one.
Dials: Unusual, Historical Dials

October 1997 page 5
Denis Schneider

Ultima Nonna?

This article analyses the sundials depicted in Dante Gabriel Rossetti's paintings, specifically "Beata Beatrix" and "Saint Cecile". It highlights inaccuracies in the hour lines and numbering, attributing them to artistic licence and the symbolic importance of the "ninth hour" in relation to Beatrice's death, rather than scientific precision.

October 1996 page 16
Denis Schneider

More Thoughts on Moondials

An in-depth examination of moondial designs and historical interpretations, correcting common errors in classical references, and proposing refinements to improve accuracy and aesthetic integration.
Dials: Unusual, Historical Dials

June 1992 page 38
Denis Schneider

A Tidal Dial

This article explores the concept of a tidal dial for estimating tidal times, acknowledging the moon's primary influence on tides over the sun. It discusses the 'Port Establishment' and 'Lunar Situation,' and how a specially designed watch or optical sight, combined with knowledge of the moon's age, could provide approximate tidal information globally, even correcting for hydrographic board errors.
Dials: Unusual, Dials: Nocturnals

July 1991 page 27
Gordon E. Taylor
Denis Schneider
J. G. Freeman

Letters to the Editor

This section compiles letters on diverse sundial topics. Gordon E. Taylor recounts issues with sundial projects undertaken by the uninformed, while Denis Schneider discusses possible errors in tidal dial information and moon dial prospects. J.G. Freeman provides a crucial formula for wall orientation calculations. Allan Mills proposes using N and S extensions to the polar axes of a spherical model earth as gnomons, bringing the noon mark to where it would be expected (rather than at the terminator).
The BSS and Members