Dials

Instruments for measuring time by means of the heavenly bodies. Sun-dials are very ancient, that of Ahaz is recorded 713 B.C. Anaximander invented another 550 В.С. The first sun-dial seen at Rome was placed on the temple of Quirinus by L. Papirius Cursor 293 B.C., when time was divided into hours. During the Middle Ages every square, courtyard and garden had its sun-dial, which was often very elaborate and frequently encircled by a curious motto, the commonest being, Horas non numero nisi serenas (I count only the bright hours). Dialypetalous. See POLYPETALOUS. Dialyse pal ous. See POLYSEPALOUS.