Home1815 Edition

MARINE SURVEYOR

Volume 12 · 198 words · 1815 Edition

is the name of a machine contrived by Mr H. de Saumarez for measuring the way of a ship in the sea. This machine is in the form of the letter Y, and is made of iron, or any other metal. At each end of the lines which constitute the angle or upper part of that letter, are two pallets, not much unlike the figure of the log; one of which falls in the same proportion as the other rises. The falling or pendent pallet meeting a resistance from the water, as the ship moves, has by that means a circular motion under water, which is faster or slower according as the vessel moves. This motion is communicated to a dial within the ship, by means of a rope fastened to the tail of the Y, and carried to the dial. The motion being thus communicated to the dial, which has a bell in it, it strikes exactly the number of geometrical paces, miles, or leagues, which the ship has run. Thus the ship's distance is ascertained; and the forces of tides and currents may also be discovered by this instrument: which, however, has been very little used.