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March 2013
The articles link to the specific page in a PDF optimised for speed. If you want the whole issue, you can download it here, but the files from earlier years can be quite large.
March 2013
Page 1
Page 1
An introductory note encouraging readers to contribute articles on modern sundials and new designs, while reflecting on the value of historical dial studies and member participation in the Bulletin.
The BSS and Members
March 2013
Page 2
Page 2
An in-depth study of how the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte was aligned to capture sunlight on key Christian feast days. The article explores the relationship between architecture, astronomy, and religious symbolism in medieval Florence.
Historical Dials, How Sundials Work, Mathematics of Dialling, Sundial Design & Layout
March 2013
Page 8
Page 8
A detailed investigation of a rare eighteenth-century sundial made by Thomas Wright for use in the West Indies. The author compares design features with other known examples and clarifies maker attribution through stylistic and documentary evidence.
Dials: Horizontal, Historical Dials, Restoration projects
March 2013
Page 14
Page 14
A tribute to Phil Rogers, recalling his long-standing interest in sundials, his work within the British Sundial Society, and his contributions to dialling scholarship.
Obituaries, The BSS and Members
March 2013
Page 15
Page 15
An illustrated survey of several overlooked sundials at Barrington Court. The article documents their styles, inscriptions, and historical setting, adding new information to the site’s known dial heritage.
Dials: Horizontal, Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials, Restoration projects
March 2013
Page 16
Page 16
The author follows the traces of nineteenth-century architect Thomas Ross to rediscover forgotten Scottish sundials, including rare obelisk types near South Queensferry, with photographs and measurements.
Dials: Multi Faced, Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials
March 2013
Page 18
Page 18
A light-hearted illustrated collection of sundials decorated with floral motifs. The article shares examples and stories from various gardens and public places where plants and flowers form part of the dial design.
Dials: Horizontal, Dials: Unusual, Mottoes
March 2013
Page 19
Page 19
A short report on the BSS presence at a school science fair, describing the public response, educational displays, and promotion of sundial science to younger audiences.
How Sundials Work, The BSS and Members
March 2013
Page 20
Page 20
A scholarly report on a fragmentary Greek sundial held in the Louvre. The authors discuss its geometry, probable use, and its place in the evolution of ancient dial types.
Dials: Astrolabe, Dials: Equatorial, Dials: Hemispherical, Historical Dials
March 2013
Page 23
Page 23
A technical and historical description of the patented ‘Singleton’ helical sundial. The article explains its geometry, manufacture, and later examples exhibited and sold in Britain.
Dials: Heliochronometer, Dials: Unusual, Mathematics of Dialling, Sundial Design & Layout
March 2013
Page 24
Page 24
An account of the first international conference devoted to sundials, organised in Italy in the 1980s. Turner outlines its origins, participants, and its influence on dialling scholarship.
Historical Dials, The BSS and Members
March 2013
Page 25
Page 25
A review of a conference on Roman timekeeping instruments, summarising research on ancient dials, calendars, and astronomical devices.
Dials: Astrolabe, Historical Dials, Mathematics of Dialling
March 2013
Page 26
Page 26
A literary exploration of references to sundials in the works of Charles Dickens. The author interprets the dials as metaphors for time, mortality, and moral reflection in Victorian literature.
Dials: Unusual, Historical Dials, The BSS and Members
March 2013
Page 28
Page 28
An account of a sundial whose gnomon and markings show evidence of multiple historical restorations. The author describes methods used to reveal earlier engravings and reconstruct its history.
Dials: Horizontal, Historical Dials, Restoration projects
March 2013
Page 29
Page 29
A study of a medieval manuscript containing a drawing of an Indian circle diagram. Davis analyses the geometrical principles behind its time-telling method and its significance in medieval astronomy.
Historical Dials, How Sundials Work, Mathematics of Dialling
March 2013
Page 30
Page 30
An examination of a carved stone from Scotland believed to be a very early horizontal sundial. The article describes its discovery, measurements, and restoration.
Dials: Horizontal, Historical Dials, Restoration projects
March 2013
Page 33
Page 33
A short notice announcing that Frank King has received the Sawyer Prize for contributions to dialling. It summarises his achievements and ongoing work for the Society.
The BSS and Members
March 2013
Page 34
Page 34
A travelogue describing a route through southern France known as ‘La Route des Cadrans Solaires’. The author records and photographs numerous historic and modern painted dials with local inscriptions.
Dials: Unusual, Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials, Mottoes
March 2013
Page 37
Page 37
A technical description of a complex slate sundial featuring a rotatable star-shaped disc engraved with worldwide place names. The author explains its design, restoration, and probable use.
Dialling Tools, Dials: Horizontal, Dials: Unusual
March 2013
Page 39
Page 39
A short report describing a newly found Scottish slate sundial of unknown maker. The author analyses its construction and markings and appeals for comparative examples.
Dials: Horizontal, Historical Dials, Restoration projects
March 2013
Page 40
Page 40
A review of a monograph examining medieval Latin texts on sundial construction. James summarises its content, scholarly value, and relevance to the history of gnomonics.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials, Mathematics of Dialling
March 2013
Page 41
Page 41
A review of sundials sold at major auction houses during 2012. It lists significant instruments, their makers, sale prices, and remarks on market trends in dial collecting.
Dials: Double Horizontal, Dials: Portable, Historical Dials, The BSS and Members
March 2013
Page 44
Page 44
A collection of letters discussing Society matters, mass-dial archives, and north-facing dials. Contributors debate historical interpretations and the future of BSS collections.
Dials: Mass Dials, Historical Dials, The BSS and Members
March 2013
Page 45
Page 45
An illustrated study of a sixteenth-century slate sundial connected to the Boleyn family. Davis documents its restoration, symbolism, and stylistic features.
Dials: Horizontal, Historical Dials, Restoration projects
March 2013
Page 46
Page 46
A travel article recounting visits to sundials in Montreal and Toronto, including modern designs and meetings with Canadian sundial enthusiasts.
Dials: Equatorial, Dials: Unusual, The BSS and Members
March 2013
Page 48
Page 48
A discussion of an experimental holographic sundial design first described in 1990. The article explains how holography can replace the traditional gnomon and analyses its optical accuracy.
Dials: Unusual, How Sundials Work, Mathematics of Dialling, Sundial Design & Layout