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The original horizon of the globe was of iron; that now encircling it is of brass, and Murr (p. 19) suggests that it is the work of Werner, the famous astronomer. It is 35 mm. broad and 10 mm. thick.
On its outer edge we read as follows :
der ring ist genant orißont und zeigt das auf und absteigen der sonnen und der zwölf zeichen.
Anno Domini 1510 die 5 Novem- bris.
This Ring is called Horizon, and shows the rising and setting of the Sun, and of the twelve signs of the zodiac.
In the year of the Lord, 1510, November 5.
On the upper surface are engraved four concentric circles. The first of these is divided from E. and W. toward the N. and S. into 4 x 90 = 360 degrees; the second circle is divided into 2 x 12 parts and contains indications of sunrise and sunset; the third and fourth give the names of the winds in Latin and German.
In the second of these rings we read Mitternacht (midnight) in the north, der mittag (midday) in the south; der sonnen aufgang (the sun's rise) in the east; der sonnen untergang (sunset) in the west; der sonnen aufgang in den sommer (sunrise in summer), do. in the winter, etc.
The names of the winds are as follows :
Back to the index of Chapter XX Nomenclature and Commentary.
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