By the middle of the 19th century, great improvements had been made in methods of navigation. Nautical charts of most parts of the world were readily available and there were books on navigation, tide tables and sailing directions for many ports.
This photograph shows some of the instruments, charts and books in common use in the late 1870's. From left to right: Walkers Patent Log - an instrument towed behind a vessel, the dials indicating the distance travelled over a period of time. From this information the speed could be calculated. A book on Sailing Directions for Navigation around Ireland. a sextant - used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles in navigation. A copy of Bunts American Coastal Pilot - first published in 1863. A telescope and a ship's log book.
The instruments and books are placed on "An Outline Chart of the World", 1872. In the foreground is a set of dividers, used for taking a course or bearing from the compass rose on the chart.
Courtesy: Nova Scotia Museum and Charles A. Armour, Halifax, N.S.
