Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
58.33 |
Object Name |
Compass |
Title |
Pocket Compass |
Artist |
W. & S. Jones |
Place of Origin |
London, England |
Date |
c. 1750-1800 |
Description |
Mahogany block with inset compass and cover. Possibly contemporary inked inscription, "Belonging to the globes presented by W. & S. Jones, 18 April 1800." (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961). |
Label |
This compass was primarily used in the home to align the north-south axes of globes, the first step in calculating the time of day and other information for a given location—a process called "dialing." London instrument-makers William and Samuel Jones may have sent the compass to the APS along with a pair of terrestrial and celestial globes (58.40.01, 58.40.02). |
Material |
Mahogany, glass, metal, and paper |
Dimensions |
Dia-3.75 inches |
Dimension Details |
Box (closed): 1 x 4.1875 x 4.1875 Box (open depth): 8.375 |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society. Gift of the W.&S. Jones Company, 1800. |
Search Terms |
18th century eighteenth century surveying astronomy measurement scientific instrument |