Volvelle
A volvelle is a device with rotatable (rotating) elements, primarily discs or pointers. A modern example is the well-known parking disc , in which the parking time can be set by means of a rotatable number circle.
Historical use
Early volvelles for predicting astronomical and astrological phenomena or for illustrating anatomical relationships are known from manuscripts of the 13th century. In addition, they were also used to encrypt letters or numbers. It was brought to Europe in 1274 by Ramon Llull , who was inspired by the zairja , an Arabic astronomical instrument, on his travels .
Well-known works that contain Volvellen:
- Johannes de Sacrobosco (1195-1256): Tractatus de Sphaera
- Ramon Llull (1232-1316): Ars generalis ultima
- Georg von Peuerbach (1423–1461): Theoricae novae Planetarum
- Regiomontanus (1436–1476): Calendarium
- Johannes Schöner (1477–1547): Aequatorium Astronomicum
- Sebastian Münster (1488–1552): Organum Uranicum (1536)
- Peter Apian (1495–1552): Astronomicum Caesareum (1540)
Further examples can be found at
- Lucas Cranach the Elder Ä. (1472–1553)
- Leonhard Thurneysser (1531–1595 / 96)
- Lucas Janszoon Waghenaer (1533 / 34–1605 / 06)
Usage today
Volvellen or turntables are known nowadays in a variety of forms, mainly made of paper or plastic and are used, among other things, for mathematical calculations, for determining distances or as conversion tables.
They are also a popular design tool for contemporary paper designers when developing pop-up books or designing record sleeves such as the Led Zeppelin III album .
literature
- Jessica Helfand: Reinventing the Wheel . Princeton Architectural Press, 2002, ISBN 978-1568985961
- Nick Kanas: Star Maps. History, Artistry, and Cartography . Springer / Praxis Publishing, 2007, ISBN 978-0-387-71668-8
- Wolfgang Schroeder: Practical Astronomy for Star Friends (with instructions for building a Volvelle). 1st edition, Kosmos-Verlagsgesellschaft, Stuttgart 1958.
