The Changing Face of Early Modern Time

Explore the evolution of timekeeping in early modern Europe through this insightful lecture by Dr. Jane Desborough, Keeper of Science Collections at the Science Museum in London. Delve into the intricate world of multifunction dials, examining how textual influences shaped their design and functionality. Discover the impact of declining astrological beliefs on timekeeping devices and the subsequent shift towards more practical applications. Investigate the development of various timekeeping features, including calendars, lunar functions, and the equation of time. Gain a deeper understanding of how societal changes and scientific advancements influenced the way time was measured and displayed during this pivotal period in horological history.

Introduction
Education Updates
Membership Updates
Welcome
Preliminaries
Influence of text on multifunction dials
Effective knowledge communication
Multifunction dials
Random information
Influence of the decline of astrology
Less explicit prognostication
Divergence
Calendar
Lunar Function
Experiments with minutes
Equation of time
Final thoughts
QA
Passage of Time
Conclusions