Astronomical compendium for latitudes 0°-90° North. This oval-shaped instrument has five leaves held together by small brass pegs. Engraved on leaf Ia is an image of Juno, together with three peacocks and two mythical beasts. Leaf Ib contains a lunar volvelle with an aspectarium. On leaf IIa is a perpetual calendar and on IIb a table of latitudes. Leaf III is a universal equinoctial dial on which is the maker's signature: 'Humfray . Colle . made this . diall . anno . 1569'.

Leaf IVa holds a compass and a simple theodolite and on leaf IVb is a table of ports used for determing the time of high tide according to the compass direction of the moon ('establishment of port'). The upper part of this leaf hinges back to reveal the underside of the compass. Leaf Va contains an instrument for finding times of high water. Engraved on leaf Vb is a picture of Jupiter standing on an eagle, surrounded by various creatures and decorations.

Humfrey 'Humfrae' Cole (circa 1520-1591) was one of the finest makers of scientific instruments in England in the time of Queen Elizabeth I. This compendium is made up of a number of different scientific instruments and has many uses, such as, as a compass, a calendar and a geometric square, from which it is possible to calculate anything from high and low tides and the phases of the moon to the height of buildings. This dial is reputed to have belonged to Sir Francis Drake and was long known 'Drake's dial', though this legend lacks any supporting evidence (see NMM X2001.029, the letters relating to the provenance of the dial). It was presented to Greenwich Hospital by King William IV.

For more information regarding this dial please refer to the OUP & NMM catalogue, 'Sundials at Greenwich'.