000-190-002-051-C © National Museums Scotland |
|
Octant (detail)
An octant is a navigational instrument used for measuring angles necessary for determining a ship's position at sea. This is a detail from an octant made in 1744, probably by Edward Nairne (1726-1806), a scientific instrument maker based in London.
The detail shows the arc and, at the top, an ivory plate inscribed 'Thomas Hellyer [the owner] 1774/ NAIRNE LONDON'.
Until around 1780, a central zero was common on the vernier of octants, as seen here; after this date the vernier had the zero to the right.
Record details
To search on related items, click any linked text below.
Online ID: |
000-190-002-051-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland T.1909.9 |
Date: |
1774
|
Material: |
|
Dimensions: |
|
What: |
Octant
|
Subject: |
9. NAVIGATION (Departmental Classification)
|
Who: |
Nairne, London (Maker)
|
Where: |
England, London
|
Event: |
|
Description: |
Octant made by Nairne, London, dated 1774
|
References: |
- Bennett, J.A. The Divided Circle: A history of instruments for astronomy, navigation and surveying. Oxford: 1987, pp 132-4
- For Nairne, see Clifton, Gloria, Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851. London: 1995, p 196
|
Translations: |
|
Related Records: |
|