A VERY RARE EDITION OF 'THE ANALEMMA', DESIGNED AND PRINTED BY B. DONN, BRISTOL, 1770
dedicated by Donn for January 1st, 1770 with accredited retailers listed as B.Law & J. Johnson Booksellers; also Heath & Wing Instrument Makers, rotating volvelle, calendar scales and principal stars' positions -- 13 x 8in. (33 x 20.3cm.); together with a small hand-coloured chart of the Cocos and Traitors Islands
(2)

In his monograph The Equation of Time: The Invention of the Analemma, a brief history of the subject, BSS No.1, 2005, Christopher Daniel states in his synopsis "..the analemma is the projection of the 'figure-of-eight'-shaped curve that represents the variation in the equation of time during the course of the year.. When delineated on a sundial, the analemma enables the correction for this phenomenon to be applied directly to the dial-plate, such that the dial will indicate local mean time - i.e. clock time." Apparently designed to be used at sea, very few of these fragile card instruments survive - it has been suggested that this one may even be a unique survivor as none appear to have been seen over the past twenty-five years or so.

Condition Report
This is in very fine condition - presumably never issued, it retains its original string "pin" for the volvelle, no apparent foxing or serious time discolouration.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.