Volvelle
A Volvelle is a device with rotary ( rotating ) elements, principally discs or pointers. A modern example is the well-known parking disc in the parking time can be adjusted by means of a rotatable number circle.
Historical Usage
Early Volvellen to predict astronomical and astrological phenomena or the demonstration of anatomical relationships are known from manuscripts of the 13th century. Moreover, they were also used for the encryption of letters or numbers.
Famous Works that contain Volvellen:
- Johannes de Sacrobosco (1195-1256): Tractatus de Sphaera
- Ramon Llull (1235-1316): Ars generalis ultima
- Georg von Peuerbach (1423-1461): Theo Ricae novae Planetarum
- Regiomontanus (1436-1476): calendarium
- Johannes Schöner (1477-1547): Equatorium Astronomicum
- Sebastian Münster (1488-1552): Organum Uranicum ( 1536)
- Peter Apian (1495-1552): Astronomicum Caesareum ( 1540)
Further examples can be with you
- Lucas Cranach the Elder. (1472-1553)
- Leonhard Thurneysser ( 1531-1595/96 )
- Lucas Janszoon Waghenaer ( 1533/34-1605/06 )
Today's use
Volvellen or turntables are now known in various forms mainly made of paper or plastic and serve among other things to mathematical calculations for distance determination or as conversion tables.
They are also a popular design tool for contemporary designer paper in the development of pop-up books or designing record covers such as the album Led Zeppelin III.