Instrument (Other Keyword)

DOCUMENT Citation Only Michael J Gilbart.

One of the most intriguing artifacts recovered from the Warwick, is a wooden, mathematical instrument called a plain or ‘plaine’ scale.  Plain scales were small, wooden instruments used by ships in the early-17th century.  The plain scale allowed pilots and navigators to determine a ship’s position with dividers and the graduated markings on the scale.  This paper examines the history of plain scales, the use of the plain scale for navigational and astronomical purposes, and how the Warwick...