Dialling (mathematics)

In somewhat archaic applied mathematics, dialling is the mathematics required to create a sundial face to determine solar time based on the position of the sun. Those skilled in the art were referred to as dialists or gnomonists, the latter derived from the word gnomon, which was a device that used a shadow as an indicator.

The mathematician William Oughtred published a book, Easy Method of Mathematical Dialling, around 1600.[1] Samuel Walker (1716–1782) was a Yorkshire mathematician and diallist.[2] In his later years, Thomas Jefferson was known to practice dialling as a mental exercise.[3] Professor of astronomy at Gresham College (London, UK), Samuel Foster (d. 1652), developed reflex dialling, which describes a device of his own invention: a sundial capable of reflecting a spot of light onto the ceiling of a room.[4]

Etymology

The word dial derives from the Latin term dialis (daily), and comes from the fact that a sundial throws a shadow related to the time of day. It was also used to describe the gear in a medieval clock which turned once per day.

Notes
  1. Answers article about William Oughtred
  2. Index of British Mathematicians Part III 1701–1800 by Ruth V & Peter J Wallis (published by University of Newcastle upon Tyne?)
  3. "a letter from Mr. Jefferson to Charles Clay in 1811". Archived from the original on 12 July 2007. Retrieved 15 July 2007.
  4. Miscellanies: or, mathematical lucubrations by Samuel Foster, edited by John Twysden (1607–1688), published 1659 in London by R. & W. Leybourn

References


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