Dear Mr. Thayer,
I saw the image of the "primitive sundial" in the prison of San
Domenico at Narni. I can surely say that it is not a primitive sundial at
all. I may assure you.
I don't know if it is a joke or not, but what you see on the wall there, is
the watch of a clock said "alla romana" (in the way of the Romans [not
ancient Romans]). I explain you. In the 16th/17th century here in Italy use
to count time in the so called Italian way (from sunset). This way considers
24 hours starting from sunset, so the 24th hour of the day was at sunset and
the first hour was immediately after it. At the beginning the bells stroke
every hour so the 24th was a very long sound. This fact, but, easily breaks
the bells in the point where the hammer shoot it.
So in Rome they changed the clocks and they drew on the watch not 24 hours
any more but only six, repeated four time. That's why you may find tower
clocks and little clocks too with only six hours marked on them.
If you like I may send you some images of clock like this.
Many compliment for your site about Umbria. I found more churches than in a
tourist guide.
Mario Arnaldi
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Mario Arnaldi
Viale Leonardo, 82
48020 LIDO ADRIANO - Ravenna
Italy
E-Mail [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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