Extract from the Naval Chronicle for Friday, Feb. 12, 2010

The "Naval Chronicle" was a journal of technological advances that would be of interest to the British naval officer of the early 1800s. Today's extract is an example of what may be found in the chronicle's 40 volumes.

INVENTION OF AN IMPROVED BINNACLE.
An inhabitant of Boston, in North America, has exhibited a newly constructed
binnacle, with converging mirrors, which, from the light of a
lamp, diffuses upon the compass a clear and conspicuous light, the rays of
which are at pleasure tinged with a green shade, which has, upon the eyes
of the helmsman, a good effect in looking out, and prevents the binnacle
from shewing light abroad, so that vessels cannot be traced by it in the
night. The lamp is placed in, the upper part of the binnacle, near the
illuminator, and has attached, a trimming apparatus, which, by a simple
operation, effectually, and with perfect safety, trims itself. The binnacle
is made to carry but one compass, and is so calculated, that all the inconveniences
of smoke arising from the lamp, and of blowing out in squally
weather, are avoided. The whole is simply constructed with a manifest
saving of expense.

XXXVIII, 189
From JULY TO DECEMBER, 1817