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Dipping needle compass made by Edward Nairne, 1772
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Dipping needle compass made by Edward Nairne, 1772
Dipping needle compass made by Edward Nairne for the Board of Longitude based on plans for the Reverend John Mitchell, Rector of Thornhill, 1772. Copperplate engraving by Wilson Lowry from Abraham Rees Cyclopedia or Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences and Literature, Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown, London, 1810
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Media ID 23164690
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Abraham Arts Compass Cyclopedia Dictionary Dipping Longitude Magnetic Magnetism Mitchell Navigation Needle Rector Rees Reverend Sciences Thornhill Universal
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: Dipping Needle Compass by Edward Nairne, 1772: A Navigational Instrument of the 18th Century This illustration showcases a dipping needle compass, an essential navigational instrument from the 18th century, designed and manufactured by Edward Nairne in 1772. The compass was created based on plans provided by the Reverend John Mitchell, Rector of Thornhill. The intricately detailed copperplate engraving was produced by Wilson Lowry for the esteemed "Abraham Rees Cyclopedia or Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences and Literature," published by Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown in London, 1810. The dipping needle compass is a crucial tool for determining a ship's latitude at sea. It measures the angle between the magnetic needle and the horizontal plane, which is established by the user by dipping the needle into a bowl of water. The magnetic needle, which is free to rotate, aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, while the floating bubble level indicates the angle between the needle and the horizontal. This information, combined with the ship's known longitude and the published tables of magnetic declination, enables navigators to calculate their latitude. The Reverend John Mitchell played a significant role in the development of this compass design, while Edward Nairne, a skilled craftsman, brought it to life. The resulting instrument, with its elegant and functional design, is a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the 18th century. This illustration, with its intricate details, offers a glimpse into the rich history of navigation and the crucial role that dipping needle compasses played in maritime exploration.
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