Lodestone
Lodestone within a turned cylindrical ivory box. The keeper is in a separate section of the box, which unscrews from one end. The lodestone itself is contained within a brass case, screwed into the lid of the ivory box. The brass case is engraved with leaf motifs and marked on one side 'POLVS/ ANTARCTI/CVS' [Polus Antarcticus - South Pole], and on the opposite side 'POLVS/ ARCTICVS' [Polus Arcticus - North Pole]. The left side is engraved with the words 'Magnetis pondus est uncia .1' [the weight of this magnet is 1 ounce], the right side is engraved 'Magnes hic trahit usque ad libras .10' [this magnet lifts up to 10 pounds]. The lodestone and the case for the keeper are both cracked.
Object Details
| ID: | NAV0703 |
|---|---|
| Collection: | Astronomical and navigational instruments |
| Type: | Lodestone |
| Display location: | Not on display |
| Creator: | Unknown |
| Date made: | circa 1720 |
| Credit: | National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection |
| Measurements: | Overall: 70 mm x 61 mm x 36.3 g |
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