The Ilay-Glynne Dial and the Scientific Interests and Patronage of Archibald Campbell, Earl of Ilay
Resource type
Presentation
Creator (person)
Higgitt, Rebekah
Abstract
This beautiful object acquired in 2023 by the National Museum of Scotland is the equinoctial sundial made by Richard Glynne in the early 18th century for Archibald Campbell, Earl of Ilay (later 3rd Duke of Argyll). The approximate size is 3 ft tall by 2 ft in diameter – a substantial hunk of artistically and skilfully designed brass. The dial is a complex scientific instrument, table-top rather than portable as you might expect, and designed to set time accurately according to the position of the sun in the sky. Spirit levels and adjustable feet ensure it can be precisely levelled; finely divided graduations on the vertical ring allow the instrument to be adjusted for latitude; accurate north/south alignment is assured by a compass set in the centre of the base. The fenestrated central plate is rotated to line up with the sun. The time of day is read from a 24-hour scale on the inner ring, or from the hour dial on the top. The instrument also incorporates an adjustment for the time of year. In all, a complex, time consuming and expensive way to set one’s long case clock!
Event title
The Ilay-Glynne Dial and the Scientific Interests and Patronage of Archibald Campbell, Earl of Ilay
Publisher
Haddington's History Society
Rights statement
In Copyright