The gnomon is a scientific instrument that can be used for finding the declination of the sun through the year, among other things. It is one of the first scientific instruments ever made, originating with the Chaldean astronomers of Babylon and from there brought to the Greek world. It is still very instructive, an excellent example of random and systematic errors of measurement, vividly demonstrating astronomical principles. The Greek gnwmwn, originally meaning one who knows, or judge, was also used for the index of a sundial, as well as for the carpenter's square. It is easy to make a good portable gnomon, and easy to use it.
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