Better Compass

The invention of an improved ship's compass, of the earth-inductor type, was announced by the U. S. Bureau of Standards. It is said to possess many advantages over the usual magnetic type of ship's compass, which not only has to be corrected by sun and stars, but errs with the roll and pitch of the vessel. When, during a test, the ship's compass oscillated two degrees, the new instrument was found to be free from "roll and pitch errors." It also moved freely and without oscillation when a sudden change of course was made.

Another advantage is that the parts affected by the ship's magnetism can be placed where they will be most remote from interference--even up at the masthead. The indicating instrument, which is not affected by magnetism, can then be placed at any convenient point, the two parts being connected by wires.