Steering compass

The first major improvement to the mariner's compass came in the mid-18th century with the work of Dr Gowin Knight. In 1745 he invented a method of making strongly magnetic steel bars, and then developed a steel compass needle which retained its magnetism for much longer than the old soft iron kind. George Adams, the London instrument maker, was employed as agent for Knight's compasses and this example has the signature 'Gowin Knight 1180' on the back of the card.

Object Details

ID: NAV0447
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Steering compass
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Adams, George
Date made: circa 1766
Exhibition: The Atlantic: Slavery, Trade, Empire; Exploration and Cultural Encounters
People: Knight, Gowin
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 114 x 250 x 260 mm
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