Compass

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This compass dates from around 1830. It belonged to, and was possibly made by, the second son of Edinburgh-based scientific instrument maker Alexander Adie, who was also named Alexander.

The silvered compass rose is inscribed 'A.J. Adie/ Edinburgh' and is contained in a glazed brass case. The dial shows the 4 cardinal points, with the scale marked at 10, 5 and 1 degree intervals. The iron needle pivots on a jewelled bearing.

Alexander Adie (junior) (1808-79) served an apprenticeship with civil engineer James Jardine (1776-1858) and became a respected railway and bridge engineer.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-822-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1984.182
• Date: Around 1830
  c. 1830
  
• Material: Inscription: A J Adie Edinburgh
  
• Dimensions:
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: A.J. Adie, Edinburgh (Maker)
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: Compass signed by A.J. Adie of Edinburgh, c. 1830
  
• References:
  • Clarke, T.N., Morrison-Low, A.D. & Simpson, A.D.C. Brass & glass scientific instrument making workshops in Scotland as illustrated by instruments from the Arthur Frank Collection at the Royal Museum of Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1989. pp 41, 60 
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