ALMACANTAR (from the Arabic for a

See also:

• SUN
• SUN (0. Eng. sonne, Ger. sonne. Fr. soleil, Lat. sol, Gr. ijXior, from which comes helio- in various English compounds)

sun-

See also:

• DIAL

dial)  , an astronomical term for a small circle of the sphere parallel to the horizon; when two stars are in the same almacantar they have the same altitude . The term was also given (188o) to an instrument invented by S . C . Chandler to determine the latitude or correct the timepiece, of great value because of its freedom from instrumental errors . ALMACK'S, formerly the name of a famous London club and assembly rooms . The founder, known as William Almack, is usually said to have been one Macall, or McCaul, of which name Almack is an anagram . In 1764 he founded a gentlemen's club in Pall Mall, where the present Marlborough Club stands . It was famous for its high play . In 1778 it was taken over by one Brooks, and established as Brooks's Club in St James's Street, where it still exists . In 1765 Almack built a suite of assembly rooms in King's Street, St James's . Here for a ten-guinea subscription a series of weekly balls was given for twelve weeks . They were managed by a committee of ladies of rank, and admission was exceedingly difficult .

At Almack's

death in 1781 they were left to his niece Mrs Willis . As " Willis's Rooms" they lasted till 1890, when they became a restaurant, but as " Almack's " they ceased in 1863 . Several clubs, including a mixed club for ladies and gentlemen, held meetings at Almack's during the 18th and beginningof the 19th centuries . A new London social club (1904) has also adopted the name of Almack's .