- how to make a compass with needle and magnet
- The South Pointing Spoon (hakaimagazine.com)
On a bronze plate, the little metal spoon balances exquisitely on its bowl. Each time it’s tossed or spun, it comes to rest with its neck aiming south. This is a replica of the aptly named south pointing spoon, thought to be the first magnetized object ever used to tell direction. And it was the crucial precursor to the magnetic compass, one of the most important inventions in maritime history.
- Millard Fillmore (allthetropes.org)
Not many Americans know much about Millard Fillmore, except that he was once President of the United States (the 13th), and that he had a ridiculous name. Lots of jokes have been made about this.
- Compass (Wikipedia)
A compass is a device that shows the cardinal directions used for navigation and geographic orientation. It commonly consists of a magnetized needle or other element, such as a compass card or compass rose, which can pivot to align itself with magnetic north. Other methods may be used, including gyroscopes, magnetometers, and GPS receivers.
