Scientific Instruments includes devices of medieval design which either measure the workings of the world (Ex., a clock, astrolabe. telescope, etc.) or demonstrate a philosophy (Ex., the monochord, a one-stringed quasi-musical instrument used to demonstrate Pythagorean philosophies). These criteria focus primarily on the design, function and logical integrity of a piece; for standards on material handling, judges may wish to consult criteria for such categories as Woodwork or Metalwork as appropriate.
- Identification/Description of the entry.
- Approximate date and place/nationality in history that the entry is modeled upon.
- Lists use(s) of the entry.
- Cites at least one reference, either illustrative (pictures) or descriptive, relating to either A) period use of such item OR B) period method of constructing such item OR C) both A & B.
- Entry is appropriate to time/place stated in documentation.
- Materials used are period OR give period effect.
- Methods/Procedures used are period OR give period effect.
- Style, pattern, design and finished product are consistent with one another and give period effect.
- Difficulty and variety of materials used.
- Difficulty and variety of tools used.
- Difficulty and variety of construction techniques used.
- Difficulty and variety of decorative techniques used.
- Finishing techniques used.
- Interaction/coordination of various parts.
- Number and variety of design elements.
- Amount of time involved, including research and material preparation.
- Scope of endeavor (number of pieces/parts, size of work relative to amount of detail, etc.).
- Intricacy of creating an object in the size/scale utilized in the entry. (Remember that all sizes are difficult because in small scale it is difficult to get details and in large scale, any minor flaw shows noticeably.)
- Ability of entry to serve intended function.
- Ability of entry to hold up in use.
- Attention to details, neatness and finishing touches.
- Appropriate application of design(s).
- Appropriate choice of materials
- 1:Creative, but piece/set isn't logical in context of period.
- 2:Logical to period, but item doesn't meet intended function.
- 3:Logical combination of a few copied elements.
- 4:Evidence of original work logical to period context, in design or execution.
- 5:Creative interpolation in combination of elements, with much innovation logical to period context.
- 6:Original innovative combination of period materials, techniques and design, as might have been done by a creative period craftsman.
NOTE: This category is subjective; however, the judge should take into account prior category scores, aesthetic appeal, presentation, and other such items not previously addressed. Keep in mind that this entry is at Novice Level, regardless of the skill of the entrant.
DOCUMENTATION (0-4 points) Extant pieces are ideal sources. For pre-Medieval devices, medieval depictions are very unreliable and should be supported by text references. Period "engineering" texts are better than "scientific" ones, which may be more philosophical than functional. Must have at least 1 page, 2-3 pages preferable. More is acceptable. Give one point for each of the following that is present:
- Identification/Description of the entry plus the approximate date and place/nationality in history that the entry is modeled upon.
- Statement or listing of materials used in entry's construction and use(s) of the entry.
- Describes method(s) used to create entry (may include reasons for why a certain process or material was used).
- Cites at least two references, either illustrative (pictures) or descriptive relating to either A) period use of such item OR B) period method of constructing such item OR C) both A & B.
- 0:Blatantly modern in materials, form and function (Ex., electrical device)
- 1:Generally period, with some obviously modern elements present (Ex., aluminum, foam rubber padding, non decorative motifs) OR obvious mixture of elements from different cultures or periods within or among individual pieces in the set entered.
- 2:Overall period style and execution, with minor inconsistencies (Ex., used polarizing filters, threaded screws).
- 3:Period design/ execution with no inconsistencies; period materials or close equivalents; function consistent with ideas of a given era in period.
- 4:Special effort to achieve a completely period product by use of period primary/secondary materials, design, tools, techniques, decoration, etc. within period context.
- Difficulty and variety of materials used.
- Difficulty and variety of tools used.
- Difficulty and variety of construction techniques used.
- Difficulty and variety of decorative techniques used.
- Finishing techniques used.
- Interaction/coordination of various parts.
- Number and variety of design elements.
- Amount of time involved, including research and material preparation.
- Scope of endeavor (number of pieces/parts, size of work relative to amount of detail, etc.).
- Intricacy of creating an object in the size/scale utilized in the entry. (Remember that all sizes are difficult because in small scale it is difficult to get details and in large scale, any minor flaw shows noticeably.
- Ability of entry to serve intended function.
- Ability of entry to hold up in use.
- Attention to details, neatness and finishing touches.
- Appropriate application of design(s).
- Appropriate choice of materials.
- 1:Logical combination of a few copied elements.
- 2:Evidence of original work logical to period context, in design or execution.
- 3:Creative interpolation in combination of elements, with much innovation logical to period context.
- 4:Original innovative combination of period materials, techniques and design, as might have been done by a creative period craftsman.
NOTE: This category is subjective; however, the judge should take into account prior category scores, aesthetic appeal, presentation, and other such items not previously addressed. Keep in mind that this entry is at Intermediate Level, regardless of the skill of the entrant.
DOCUMENTATION (0-4 points) Extant pieces are ideal sources. For pre-Medieval devices, medieval depictions are very unreliable and should be supported by text references. Period "engineering" texts are better than "scientific" ones, which may be more philosophical than functional.
- 0:No documentation or very inaccurate documentation.
- 1:Minimum information (time, place, style).
- 2:Same as #1 plus some discussion of period practice, but no period examples.
- 3:Same as #2 plus visual references and discussion of period practice, with reference to primary sources.
- 4:#3 but very complete examples and discussion, including rationale for design, construction and materials, and their appropriateness to each other. Explains original experiment or research. Explains any deviations or variations from period norm.
- 0:Blatantly modern in materials, form and function (Ex., electrical device)
- 1:Generally period, with some obviously modern elements present (Ex., aluminum, foam rubber padding, non-decorative motifs) OR obvious mixture of elements from different cultures or periods within or among individual pieces in the set entered.
- 2:Overall period style and execution, with minor inconsistencies (Ex., used polarizing filters, threaded screws).
- 3:Period design/execution with no inconsistencies; period materials or close equivalents; function consistent with ideas of a given era in period.
- 4:Special effort to achieve a completely period product by use of period primary/secondary materials, design, tools, techniques, decoration, etc. within period context.
- Scope of endeavor (number of pieces, size relative to detail, etc.).
- Difficulty of design, form, coordination of parts, decoration, etc.
- Handling of media, materials, tools, finishing.
- Variety of scientific techniques: measurement, degree of accuracy, attempted magnetizing, lens grinding, etc.
- Design. Do plans/patterns make sense? Are parts combined properly? Do parts balance? Are proportions good? How well do pieces work together as a set?
- Construction techniques. Neatness, choice of handling of material, finishing, etc.
- Function. Does it do what it should do? Is it accurate, reliable?
- 0:Piece/set isn't logical in context of period.
- 1:Logical combination of a few copied elements.
- 2:Evidence of original work logical to period context, in design or execution.
- 3:Creative interpolation in combination of elements, with much innovation logical to period context.
- 4:Original innovative combination of period materials, techniques and design, as might have been done by a creative period craftsman.
NOTE: This category is subjective; however, the judge should take into account prior category scores, aesthetic appeal, presentation, intuitive response, and other such items not previously addressed.