000-100-104-229-C
© National Museums Scotland |
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Compass
This magnetic compass was made in 1761, probably by Thomas Short (1711-1788), a scientific instrument maker based at Leith, and brother of the famous telescope maker, James Short (1710-1768).
The compass has a simple magnetic needle, an engraved dial with a circular ring marked in degrees. It is contained in a square mahogany case, and was possibly part of a larger apparatus. The centre of the compass rose is engraved 'THOS. SHORT FECIT./LIETH (sic) 1761'.
The bearings taken in surveys are usually related to visible landmarks, and for many purposes, a compass bearing is adequate. Compasses have been incorporated into various surveying instruments from an early date.
Record details
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| Online ID: |
000-100-104-229-C |
| Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
| Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
| Ref: |
National Museums Scotland T.1963.44 |
| Date: |
1761
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| Material: |
Silvered card and ring / mahogany case
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| Dimensions: |
5.50" square case
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| What: |
Compass, magnetic / case
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| Subject: |
9. NAVIGATION (Departmental Classification)
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| Who: |
Thomas Short, Leith (Maker)
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| Where: |
Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Leith
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| Event: |
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| Description: |
Magnetic compass by Thomas Short, 1761, with a simple magnetic needle and a silvered engraved card and circular ring engraved in degrees, and in a mahogany case
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| References: |
- Bryden, D. J., James Short and his Telescopes. Edinburgh: 1968, pp 32-3
- For the Short brothers, see Clifton, Gloria, Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851. London: 1995, p 250
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