Compass Card designed by Lord Kelvin (Sir William Thomson)

This compass card was designed by Sir William Thomson, Lord Kelvin of Largs around 1876.

Kelvin compass card, 1876

Sir William Thomson, Lord Kelvin, 1824-1907, contributed much to the study of electricity, magnetism and heat. He designed several scientific instruments and worked to establish international electrical units and standards.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-000-099-953-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: Innovators and Innovations (multimedia essay)
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1983.241
• Date: 1876
  
• Material: Compass card
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Compass card
  
• Subject: 9. NAVIGATION (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Lord Kelvin (scientist, inventor)
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description:
• References:
  • Thompson, Silvanus P. The life of William Thomson, Baron Kelvin of Largs. London: Macmillan, 1910
  • Tunbridge, Paul. Lord Kelvin: his influence on electrical measurements and units. London: Peregrinus, 1992
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