Item Details
Model Number: Davis quadrant
Manufactured: 1760
Description:
Navigation instrument for finding latitude at sea. Original horizon vane numbered "17". Fitted with a Flamsteed lens. Second horizon vane mounted as sight vane.
Item History:
Invented by English explorer John Davis in 1595. Designed to improve upon cross-staff navigation limitations. Consisted of two arcs in a triangular frame. Allowed simultaneous horizon and sun angle measurement.
Location/Ownership: The Mariners' Museum
Submission Author: Jeanne Willoz-Egnor, The Mariners' Museum