At 10:18 PM 5/9/00 +0200, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > As for the Tonnerre analemma, it is not the work of Lalande, but >of three people, Dom Férouillat, Guémadeuc and Daret. It was begun in 1786 >and has a long and chaotic history all along the 19th century. >
Bonjour Jean-Paul, Thank you for the correction based on your local knowledge. My guides are not so trustworthy after all. Michelin said "Note the gnomon (sundial) on the paving, designed in the 18th century by a Benedictine monk and the astronomer Lalande (1732-1807). The Cadrans Solaires Francais Catalogue did not specify the designer. The listing is "Tonnerre = Rue du Prieure, impass, ancien hopital: 1.-celebre meridienne optique avec coubre en 8". I enjoy where this interest in sundials leads me. Searching for sundials gets me to places and allows me to see things hidden from the casual visitor. For example, a dial was listed for a chateau near Aix-en-Provence with the description "vestige de grand cadran". Without an invitation, we barged in, driving down the tree lined lane to the courtyard where we greeted by a security person/receptionist. Showing the catalogue, I attempted to explain in my poor french that I only wanted to see the sundial as listed in the catalogue. The owner was called and I repeated the explanation. He looked at the book and exclaimed "Incroyable!" He could not believe that some one from overseas would appear on his doorstep with a catalogue in hand describing an obscure architectural feature of his mansion. He took a copy of the title page and listing intending to order a copy from the Societe Astronomique de France. We had a nice chat over coffee about restoration of the dial and he gave us a tour of the beautifully renovated chateau which is now operated as a luxury hotel. It was an interesting visit for all parties. If someone in the area is interested in a contract to restore the dial, I can provide details and the address. Regards, Roger Bailey Walking Shadow Designs N 51 W115
