The current discussion on the mathematics of dialling is fascinating and very valuable, especially to a non-mathematician like me. What it does bring out is the human complexity of the simple device which is the sundial.
Here is an ancient instrument which embodies astronomy and mathematics in its calculation, skill and craftsmanship in its manufacture, visual art in the beauty of its many and various designs, and literacy and philosophy in the mottoes normally associated with it. Through the ages man has lavished his may talents on making it and even in this day of the atomic clock, is still in awe at it. And yet it is the simplest of manufactured devices, with no moving parts. Is it any wonder it is a subject of such fascination to us all?
