Dear all, Tony Moss wrote:
> > Fellow Shadow Watchers, > > [...] XII, XI, X, IX and I, II. III, > and IIII read locate satifactorily in either direction but V, VI and VII > have 'V' elements which radiate outwards and benefit from the extra space > at the outer serif circle. Placed the other way with tops towards the > centre of the dial makes for a visually 'tight' situation - especially in > smaller dials with less space to spare. > > I just wondered if anyone else would wish to share their thoughts on the > subject as it seems that the 'traditional' orientation is the reverse of > my personal preference. > > Tony Moss I'd like to ask a question orientated slightly differently, although it might be a silly FAQ: does it exist any explanation why on time measuring instruments (sundials as well as clocks) the number 4 is written as IIII instead of the usual IV used for dates, chapters, and most every other roman numbers? I have made up an explanation for myself, but I'd be curious of other and maybe better explanations... My 'theory' is that for aestehics, symmetry is often considered the basic way to go. On a (classical) clock dial there are 12 hours, and using IIII instead of IV allows to have three similar groups of four: - one with only I's: I, II, III, IIII - one containing V's i: V, VI, VII, VIII - one containing X's: IX, X, XI, XII whereas the use of IV would break this balance... Any other explanation? Did I miss something? Thierry Bruxelles / Belgium
