Learn
|
Compass
|
|
The compass was invented by the Chinese during the
1st century. The lodestone, an iron mineral always points
North when it is placed on a surface. The Chinese were the first to discover this special
property, which eventually led to the development of the compass.
The first Chinese compasses consisted of a spoon
made of lodestone that rested on a smooth surface. Markings indicated the four directions.
Next step in the advancement of compass was to enclose the lodestone
in a decorative casing with a projecting needle to indicate which direction was North.
Before the compass, sea and land explorers had to use the sun, wind
and stars as guides. Also it has proven to be a useful and life saving piece of equipment. |
|
|
|
|
|