Instruments, Scientific

Atlantia A&S Criteria

Scientific Gadgetry 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.

Information also available as PDF.

DOCUMENTATION (0-30 points. SCORE 0-10 then MULTIPLY BY 3):

Must have at least “EZ Doc” information. More is  acceptable, although one or two pages (not counting visuals and bibliography) should be more than enough. If your  documentation is more than three pages for exceptionally detailed and in-depth work, you should provide an executive  summary. The best documentation will cover what they did in period, what the creator did in the project, and why the  difference (if any). It will explain any conscious compromises made, and provide footnotes, illustrations, and references, as  well as any original research or experimentation as it applies to the project. Score based on the following considerations:

  • A minimum of: what it is, where is it from, when is it from, and references;
  • Materials used in the project;
  • Techniques and Tools used during the process ;
  • Research (country, period of origin, typical characteristics, etc.), visual references of patterns or pieces (books, portraits,  etc.) from reliable sources;
  • Artistic design with rationale for relationship of style to intended purpose of item.

AUTHENTICITY (0-20 points) [SCORE 0-10 and then DOUBLE THE SCORE]:

  • 0: Totally out of period and clearly modern;
  • 1-2: Generally period, with some obvious modern elements present;
  • 3-4: Generally period but with obvious mixture of elements from different cultures or periods;
  • 5-6: Overall period style and execution with minor inconsistencies;
  • 7-8: Period design and execution with no inconsistencies; period materials or reasonable equivalents;
  • 9-10: Special effort to achieve completely period product by use of period design, materials, tools, techniques, etc. (Ex.  all hand-done with period techniques); special effort to make entirely authentic and appropriate.

COMPLEXITY (1-10 points):

Rank the ambition of the entry, not the workmanship, scale of 1-10 based on the following:

  • Scope of endeavor (# of pieces, size of work in relation to amount of detail, etc.);
  • Difficulty and variety of design elements attempted;
  • Difficulty and variety of techniques attempted, measurement, degree of accuracy, attempted magnetizing, lens grinding, etc.;
  • Difficulty and variety of media, materials, and tools used;
  • Extent of original work (in patterns, etc.).

WORKMANSHIP (3-30 points. SCORE 1-10 then MULTIPLY BY 3):

Rank the quality of execution and success of the entry on a scale 1-10, considering the following:

  • Choice of materials, tools, methods, and techniques;
  • Technique execution: neatness, precision, handling of materials, etc.;
  • Form/design: balance, aesthetics, motifs, proportion, etc.;
  • Function: does it do what it should do and look as it should look?;
  • Mastery of period style and technique;
  • Period styling OR personalization OR special embellishment.

OVERALL IMPRESSION (1-10 points):

Evaluate the work as a whole, rating the complete effect and appeal beyond the mere  technical proficiency. Consider how you react to the entry (intuitive response) and other items not previously addressed.