I have to agree with Sara Schechner about taxonomy. We really
MUST keep to a standard format for describing all dials.
I have one question for Sara. In the case of a universal dial,
you say, 'a dial adjustable for multiple latitudes'. I feel that we
should perhaps sub-divide this into 3 (or possibly more) categories. I
look forward to any comments that you may like to make.
1 A dial that covers all latitudes 90°N to 90°S. This is truly
UNIVERSAL. (We could even apply this to dials that perhaps do not quite
reach the 90° of both poles. Many only cover 80°N-80°S or thereabouts).
2 A dial that covers just the Northern Hemisphere (or Southern).
This could be called SEMI UNIVERSAL. But then, should we specify which
hemisphere?
3 A dial with a limited range of useful latitudes, like a
Butterfield, this could be PART UNIVERSAL. (It doesn't sound nice.
There must be a better description.)
There are also some dials, quite rare that cover 60°N to 10°S.
I think that I would call these PART UNIVERSAL.
The question therefore is, 'What can we call these various sub-
divisions of UNIVERSAL?' I look forward to your comments.
As an alternative approach we could get round this by specifying
the angles of universality. e.g., UNIVERSAL 60°N - 10°S. This is a
more scientific way of doing it. Again, I look for your comments.
Regards,
Mike.
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Cambridge, UK.
