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A Complete Epitome of Practical Navigation
A Complete Epitome of Practical Navigation

A Complete Epitome of Practical Navigation

Author (1772 - 1843)
Publisher (1843 - 1903)
Date1848
Object number00027116
NameBook
MediumInk on paper, leather, canvas, gilt
DimensionsOverall: 227 x 151 x 65 mm, 1.35 kg
Display Dimensions: 230 x 155 x 70 mm
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from J Stanbury
DescriptionThis book titled 'A Complete Epitome of Practical Navigation' was written by John Norie in England in 1848. It belonged to Captain Linklater.HistoryJohn William Norie (1772 - 1843) was a mathematician and hydrographer who compiled a set of nautical tables which achieved praise and widespread use among navigators. The 'Complete Epitome of Practical Navigation' (first published in 1803) was for a number of years the standard work on navigation by Latitude (meridian, single and double altitudes) and Longitude (chronometer and lunar observations). J W Norie was one of the founders of the company of Norie and Wilson, Navigation Warehouse and Naval Academy. After Norie's death in 1843, his assistant George Coleman continued to update the book and associated tables. Norie's tables were an essential item for ship masters in the mid-19th century. The water stains, finger marks, pencil notations and newspaper clippings pasted into this edition indicate the considerable use Captain Linklater made of these tables while commanding FREAK.SignificanceThis book is representative of the practical texts on navigation available to mariners in the 19th century.