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"Compass, Mariner's, is the name given to the instrument by which sailors are enabled to steer their course on the ocean out of sight of land, and when neither sun nor stars are visible. the ancients, to whom it was unknown, could seldom venture to lose sight of the coast. The direct power of the magnet seems to have been unknown in Europe till late in the 12th century." — Chambers' Encyclopedia, 1875

Compass

"Compass, Mariner's, is the name given to the instrument by which sailors are enabled to steer their…

"Three principal parts, the card, the needle on its lower suface, and the case. The whole is enclosed in the compass-box, or binnacle. the term compass is said to have been applied to the instrument because the card involves or compasses the whole plane of the horizon, or because the needle indicates the whole circle of possible variations of direction. The surface of the card is divided by radiating lines into 32 parts, each containing 11 degrees." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Compass Card

"Three principal parts, the card, the needle on its lower suface, and the case. The whole is enclosed…

(1815-1882) Author of Two Years Before the Mast and the standard manuel for sea law The Seaman's Friend.

Richard H. Dana

(1815-1882) Author of Two Years Before the Mast and the standard manuel for sea law The Seaman's Friend.