Surveyors compass, 1801-1830.

Surveyors compass, 8.75 inch needle, by W. Harris, 1800-1814

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Surveyors compass, 8.75 inch needle, by W. Harris, 1800-1814
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Surveyors compass, 8.75 inch needle, by W. Harris, 1800-1814

Magnetic compasses are portable and easy to use for rapid survey where high accuracy is not required. This early 19th century example by Harris of London, with its 8.75 inch long needle and greater accuracy, would be suitable for medium scale survey work.

Details

Category:
Surveying
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
1979-256
type:
circumferentor
credit:
On loan from the Wellcome Trust