29th Nov, 2023 12:00
Fine Instruments of Science & Medicine
A Rare English Georgian Wooden Horary Quadrant with Applied Printed Papers
English, dated 1658 but Georgian, c.1751, signed 'Henricus Sutton Londini fecit, 1658, New Style', the body of the quadrant constructed of wood (possibly oak) with a joint at the top to prevent warping, with paper scales to both sides lacquered and edged with red lacquer, the obverse with the latitude of 51° 32’ North (specifically for London), and bears the date 1658, below is the signature is a calendar scale with each month delineated by a small 'o', the quadrant includes a grid with 21 marked stars and corresponding lower case alphabetical letters, one edge of the quadrant has a scale of hours divided into 1-6 increments, while the other edge consists of a latitude scale divided into 1-90 increments. Along the circumference of the quadrant, there is a double hour scale divided into VI-XII and XII-VI, followed by a degree scale divided into 0-90° labeled "Quadrat". Lastly, there is a scale labeled "Shaddowes" with a scale above it divided into 1-50 increments, which represents the equivalent of a shadow square found on an astrolabe.
The solar declination scale, arranged in four quadrant sections and originally calibrated by the date, underwent a significant transformation from the original 1658 version as it was skillfully replaced in the printing plate by a scale based on the Gregorian calendar, bearing the inscription 'New Style.' The legislative approval for the adoption of the Gregorian calendar occurred in 1751, as sanctioned by Parliament (i), with the implementation of the new calendar taking effect the following year. The adaptation of Sutton's plate, marked by the replacement of the solar declination scale, serves as a tangible testament to its practical existence for approximately a century.
on the reverse are 3 almanacs, below is the text 'This Instrument or any of the mathematiques are made in brass or wood by Henry Sutton Instrument maker behind the Royall Exchange', a quadrant of latitudes, down both edges are the 2 sides of a sector opened at 90degrees, showing Chords, Lines & Tangents, quadrant radius 27cm
Henry Sutton - A Pioneering Instrument Maker of London
Henry Sutton (fl. 1624-1665), was pioneering instrument maker and member of the Joiners' Company, who left an indelible mark on London's mathematical community during the mid-17th century. Working from his workshops on Threadneedle Street and later behind the Royal Exchange, Sutton gained a reputation as one of the city of London’s most talented and original instrument makers. His instruments were renowned for their exceptional accuracy, a testament to his expertise in dividing and engraving numbered scales.
Sutton's significance in the collaboration between clock and instrument makers is exemplified by his partnership with renowned clockmaker Samuel Knibb. Together, they not only produced finely crafted timepieces but likely served as engravers to the esteemed Fromanteel workshops. This esteemed reputation led to Sutton's close connections with early Fellows of the Royal Society, making his untimely demise during the 1665 plague mourned by many.
Among Sutton's notable creations was the rare oak horary quadrant. Utilizing applied printed paper scales pulled from engraved copper plates, this instrument showcased Sutton's renowned accuracy while reducing costs and enabling wider market access. Examples of these printed horary quadrants mounted on wood can be found today in public collections at the Science Museum, the British Museum, the Royal Museums Greenwich, the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford, and the Whipple Museum in Cambridge.
Despite the scarcity of details regarding his personal life, Sutton's instruments serve as a testament to his exceptional talent and active engagement within the mathematical community. His workshops served as hubs for mathematicians and instrument makers alike, where they could not only purchase instruments but collaborate on design and acquire mathematical books.
Even long after his death, Sutton's reputation continued to thrive. Edmund Stone's praise in 1758 speaks to the enduring legacy of Sutton's work, hailing his finely divided quadrants as some of the finest in the world.
Henry Sutton's contributions as a pioneering instrument maker, engraver, and collaborator left an indelible mark on the scientific and mathematical landscape of 17th century London. His precision, innovation, and dedication continue to appreciated by scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts, ensuring his place among the great scientific instrument makers of his time.
- Further instances of this modification can seen in quadrants housed in the collections of National Maritime Museum (http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/381692.html?_ga=2.160740671.341929038.1537978801-1756226939.1514557254, accessed on September 26, 2018) and the Science Museum, London, as detailed in Bryden's work, 'The Instrument-Maker and the Printer,' pages 13–14.
another can be seen at : https://collections.whipplemuseum.cam.ac.uk/objects/15397/
English, dated 1658 but Georgian, c.1751, signed 'Henricus Sutton Londini fecit, 1658, New Style', the body of the quadrant constructed of wood (possibly oak) with a joint at the top to prevent warping, with paper scales to both sides lacquered and edged with red lacquer, the obverse with the latitude of 51° 32’ North (specifically for London), and bears the date 1658, below is the signature is a calendar scale with each month delineated by a small 'o', the quadrant includes a grid with 21 marked stars and corresponding lower case alphabetical letters, one edge of the quadrant has a scale of hours divided into 1-6 increments, while the other edge consists of a latitude scale divided into 1-90 increments. Along the circumference of the quadrant, there is a double hour scale divided into VI-XII and XII-VI, followed by a degree scale divided into 0-90° labeled "Quadrat". Lastly, there is a scale labeled "Shaddowes" with a scale above it divided into 1-50 increments, which represents the equivalent of a shadow square found on an astrolabe.
The solar declination scale, arranged in four quadrant sections and originally calibrated by the date, underwent a significant transformation from the original 1658 version as it was skillfully replaced in the printing plate by a scale based on the Gregorian calendar, bearing the inscription 'New Style.' The legislative approval for the adoption of the Gregorian calendar occurred in 1751, as sanctioned by Parliament (i), with the implementation of the new calendar taking effect the following year. The adaptation of Sutton's plate, marked by the replacement of the solar declination scale, serves as a tangible testament to its practical existence for approximately a century.
on the reverse are 3 almanacs, below is the text 'This Instrument or any of the mathematiques are made in brass or wood by Henry Sutton Instrument maker behind the Royall Exchange', a quadrant of latitudes, down both edges are the 2 sides of a sector opened at 90degrees, showing Chords, Lines & Tangents, quadrant radius 27cm
Henry Sutton - A Pioneering Instrument Maker of London
Henry Sutton (fl. 1624-1665), was pioneering instrument maker and member of the Joiners' Company, who left an indelible mark on London's mathematical community during the mid-17th century. Working from his workshops on Threadneedle Street and later behind the Royal Exchange, Sutton gained a reputation as one of the city of London’s most talented and original instrument makers. His instruments were renowned for their exceptional accuracy, a testament to his expertise in dividing and engraving numbered scales.
Sutton's significance in the collaboration between clock and instrument makers is exemplified by his partnership with renowned clockmaker Samuel Knibb. Together, they not only produced finely crafted timepieces but likely served as engravers to the esteemed Fromanteel workshops. This esteemed reputation led to Sutton's close connections with early Fellows of the Royal Society, making his untimely demise during the 1665 plague mourned by many.
Among Sutton's notable creations was the rare oak horary quadrant. Utilizing applied printed paper scales pulled from engraved copper plates, this instrument showcased Sutton's renowned accuracy while reducing costs and enabling wider market access. Examples of these printed horary quadrants mounted on wood can be found today in public collections at the Science Museum, the British Museum, the Royal Museums Greenwich, the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford, and the Whipple Museum in Cambridge.
Despite the scarcity of details regarding his personal life, Sutton's instruments serve as a testament to his exceptional talent and active engagement within the mathematical community. His workshops served as hubs for mathematicians and instrument makers alike, where they could not only purchase instruments but collaborate on design and acquire mathematical books.
Even long after his death, Sutton's reputation continued to thrive. Edmund Stone's praise in 1758 speaks to the enduring legacy of Sutton's work, hailing his finely divided quadrants as some of the finest in the world.
Henry Sutton's contributions as a pioneering instrument maker, engraver, and collaborator left an indelible mark on the scientific and mathematical landscape of 17th century London. His precision, innovation, and dedication continue to appreciated by scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts, ensuring his place among the great scientific instrument makers of his time.
- Further instances of this modification can seen in quadrants housed in the collections of National Maritime Museum (http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/381692.html?_ga=2.160740671.341929038.1537978801-1756226939.1514557254, accessed on September 26, 2018) and the Science Museum, London, as detailed in Bryden's work, 'The Instrument-Maker and the Printer,' pages 13–14.
another can be seen at : https://collections.whipplemuseum.cam.ac.uk/objects/15397/
Auction: Fine Instruments of Science & Medicine, 29th Nov, 2023
