Hi John D. you wrote: >If we want a definition of the "Singleton" dial, it's a horizontal dial with >polar-pointing style and showing standard time on 12 date rings. If we get >to the stage where there are hundreds of these dials in existence (rather >than just paper-ware), then we might need a single-word term for them. >Until then, I suggest we stick with the full descriptor if we want people >outside our circle to know what we mean.
You are probably right. After rereading Gianni's description of monofilar dials in his Compendium article I noticed that he uses the term monofilar to describe a wide variety of sundials, including both azimuthals and Singletons. So the word "monofilar" clearly is not specific enough to describe a Singleton dial. Additionally, as we have mentioned, it is misleading as it implies a thread type gnomon. I know that Mr. Singleton did not invent this sundial, but would it be terribly wrong to call it a Singleton anyway, for the sake of brevity? (At least for us on the Sundial List, and not the Sundial Glossary) John Carmichael
