Astronomical Ring Illustration
During the Renaissance, navigators and scholars used the universal equinoctial ring to tell time by letting sunlight pass through a tiny hole in the copper. Light became a clock.
This 1752 print, by Pierre Bourgoin, is taken from Le spectacle de la nature by Abbé Pluche—a French priest and science writer whose work was quite popular. His aim was to explain natural phenomena and scientific instruments in accessible language, to arouse the curiosity of young readers and young minds.
This illustration embodies a love of knowledge in its broadest sense. In much the same way, your donation allows the Museum’s team to continually work towards making knowledge accessible to one and all.
Would you like to contribute and arouse this curiosity in others?
Your generosity brings the Museum to life — Thank you!
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The Museum’s Foundation supports the preservation of Montréal’s history and furthers its reach. Thank you for contributing to our shared heritage.
Campagne annuelle 2026 de Pointe-à-Callière 