STRASBOURG'S FAMOUS CLOCK.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIX, Issue 13, 28 March 1901, Page 15

STRASBOURG'S FAMOUS CLOCK.

TBS famous astronomical clock of Strasbourg Cathedral was constructed between the years 1838 and 1842, to replace an plder clock made in 1574, says the St. Louit Globe- Democrat. It has a number of complicated devices for showing the astronomical changes of the year and contains a perpetual calendar, which shows the feasts that vary from year to year on account of their connection with Easter Sunday. The phases of the moon and the eclipses of the sun and the moon are calculated for all time. True time and sidereal time axe indioated, besides many other astronomical changes. Precisely at quarter of 12 o'olock an angel standing on the topmost gallery of the dock strikes the third quarter on the bell. When the hands point to 12, one of the genii reverses an hourglass and death strikes the hour. Precisely at noon the apostles pass before the Saviour ■tending in a little temple. Each bows low as he passes, and when it comes to Peter's turn the cock crows thrice and the devil looks after him with a hideous grin.