March 2001
Page 3

A Brief History of the Measurement of Time Part 1

This article explores the history of time measurement, beginning with ancient civilizations like the Sumerians and their development of calendars. It discusses the challenges in harmonizing civil timekeeping with astronomy, including sidereal and solar years, and the division of days into hours. The article also covers the Roman and early Christian calendars, highlighting their inaccuracies and the historical attempts to reform them, such as the Julian and Gregorian calendars and the fixing of Easter.

Harriet Wynter

March 2001
Page 9

The Horniman Museum Reflective Ceiling Dial

This article details the design and delineation of a reflective ceiling dial at the Horniman Museum, inspired by a sundial trail lecture. It sets out the mathematical formulation for determining coordinates on the dial, explaining how it relates to an equivalent declining, reclining dial. The authors emphasize that reflective dials are not inherently more complex to delineate than other planar sundials, providing formulas for angle and length calculations, and tables of coordinates for various times and declinations.
Construction Projects, Dials: Reflected

Ray Ashley
John Moir

March 2001
Page 13

King's College Chapel Sundial, Aberdeen

An overview of the sundial located at King's College Chapel in Aberdeen. It covers the historical background of the dial, its unique design features, and any notable events or figures associated with its existence. It may also detail recent preservation or restoration efforts, highlighting the challenges and techniques used to maintain this historical timekeeping instrument.
Historical Dials

John S. Reid

March 2001
Page 15

What's the Angle?

Derives a mathematical method of determining the optimum distance from which to view or photograph a vertical dial, and provides a nomogram to help calculate this distance based on the dial's dimensions and height.
Mathematics of Dialling, Sundial Design & Layout

Anthony Capon

March 2001
Page 16

The Pembroke College Wall Dial

The design and installation of the Pembroke College Wall Dial, emphasizing an uncluttered design and prominent nodus for clear time estimation. It highlights a unique coincidence for Cambridge students cycling past, aligning with lecture times. The article details the construction process, including the sealing of the mounting assembly and the replacement of missing stone, ensuring durability. It also mentions AT&T Research Laboratory's digital camera monitoring for shadow detection.
Construction Projects, Dials: Vertical

Frank King

March 2001
Page 22

Newbury 2000 - A Grand Day Out

This report details the Newbury 2000 event, a British Sundial Society gathering showcasing various sundial exhibits. Highlights include John Moir's rainbow and bifilar dials, a cycloidal dial, and Piers Nicholson's prototype horizontal dial with accurate alignment features. Tony Wood presented "3 Cheap and Dials" and updated on the mass dial register. Peter Ransom displayed sundial-themed items, and David Young showed eclipse phenomena. The event concluded with an award for the Make a Sundial competition.
The BSS and Members

John Moir
Peter Ransom

March 2001
Page 25

Book Review

This is a review of the "BSS SUNDIAL GLOSSARY" edited by John Davis.
Book Reviews

Peter Ransom

March 2001
Page 25

The Glossary and the Gnomonic Novice

A. F. Baigent's piece reflects on the "BSS SUNDIAL GLOSSARY," having 'tested' the glossary on six guinea pig subjects for their understanding of 20 words from the glossary. He suggests improvements such as additional tables for equation of time and sun declination, plus more diagrams. The author acknowledges John Davis's hard work on the glossary.
Book Reviews

A. F. Baigent

March 2001
Page 32

An Easily Made Horizontal Garden Sundial

Instructions for making a simple horizontal garden sundial using copying and laminating techniques. It offers a basic design computed for latitude 52.5°N, longitude zero, and explains how to adjust it for different locations by tilting.
DIY Sundial Projects, Dials: Horizontal

Allan A. Mills

March 2001
Page 38

A Mosaic Sundial for Ebrington, Gloucestershire

Describes the creation of a mosaic sundial for Ebrington, Gloucestershire, as a Millennium celebration project. Initially planned for the churchyard, it was relocated due to committee concerns. The final design features a mosaic pavement with a parish map, brass lettering, global coordinates, and a sidereal sundial marked in hours and half-hours. The article details the design and construction process, aiming for a permanent and unique village monument.
Construction Projects, Dials: Horizontal

Simon Fry

March 2001
Page 41

Millennium Sundials for Nottinghamshire Schools

Describes a Nottinghamshire County Council competition for schools to mark the Millennium, with sundials as prizes. The author was consulted on the design, choosing an updated ancient hemicyclium: a hemispherical bowl on a plinth, with a rod gnomon. The ceramic dials, crafted by Danel Sherlock, feature hour, equinox, and solstice lines. A booklet guides setup and reading, hoping the dials will serve as useful learning tools for the winning schools.
Construction Projects, Dials: Hemispherical

Donald J. Bush

March 2001
Page 42

The 'Universal Equinoctial' Sundial, the BSS Emblem

This article explores the "Universal Equinoctial" sundial, highlighting its significance as the emblem of the British Sundial Society. It discusses the historical context and design principles of this type of sundial, explaining its functionality and why it was chosen to represent the BSS.
Dials: Equatorial, Sundial Design & Layout, The BSS and Members

Margaret Stanier

March 2001
Page 44

Obituary: Peter Lamont

This obituary commemorates the life and contributions of Peter Lamont, a member of the British Sundial Society.
The BSS and Members

David A. Young