William Thomson described a new "Marine Azimuth Mirror" at the 1877 meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, and patented the design in Britain and the U.S. This instrument is an example of the improved design, with a reflecting prism in place of the original mirror. Thomson introduced this form in the early 1880s. The signature indicates that it was made during the period 1900-1913. A child prodigy, William Thomson went to university at the age of eleven. At twenty-two he was appointed Professor of Natural Philosophy in Glasgow where he set up the first physics laboratory in Great Britain and proved an inspiring teacher. He primarily researched thermodynamics and electricity. On the practical side he was involved in the laying of the Atlantic telegraph cable. He was also the partner of a Glasgow firm that made measuring instruments from his own patents.An instrument of significant importance which made marine navigation easier and more accurate in the early twentieth century.An Azimuth mirror with wooden box.Kelvin & Hughs Ltd Serial No - illegible Made in Great Britainazimuth mirror, william thompson, lord kelvin, naviagtion, marine instruments

This map from the mid-18th century doesn't include the finer details of land and sea masses that we know today. The map was produced by German cartographer and publisher, Johann Baptist Homann (1663-1724) and published in 1746, after his death. Earlier versions were published, such as 1707 and 1716. The date can be calculated from the Roman numerals on the top left text area. This print of a map is significant for its connection with early world explorers. A comparison of maps over the centuries shows the progression of navigational technology, the countries who claimed the land they explored. The naming of even some Australian locations shows who had already made their mark on Australia in the early 18th century. The print shows the fine details included by the cartographer and the beauty included that makes it attractive and interesting even today. The map is also significant for its connection with German cartographer, Johann Baptist Homann, whose Homann publishing company was renewed in Germany for producing high quality maps and atlases. Map behind glass in dark brown wooden frame on beige paper. The Coloured hand drawn line drawings show different hemispheres of the known world in the mid-18th century. Beautifully drawn figures and decorative embellishments enhance the map. The text on the top right has an explanation of the Figures I, II, III, and IV. This print of the 1746 map was produced in England by Leisure Arts Ltd. "PLANIGLOBIL TERRESTRIS" "MDCCXXXXVI" [1746] "MAPPE_MONDE" [Medieval Map of the World] "LEISURE ARTS LTD" "Printed in England"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, shipwreck coast, world map, french map, 18th century map, leisure arts ltd, cartography, early exploration, cartographer, johann homann (1663-1724), exploration, naviagtion, 1746 planiglobil terrestris

Breakwater navigation lights are placed at the end of the breakwaters to warn incoming vessels of the end of the structure, as a marine safety measure. The subject item was such a light believed to have been placed at the end of Warrnambool's breakwater around 1915 when it was extended. The light had remained in place for many years until it was probably removed when the structure was undergoing rock armouring repairs to the end of the breakwater in 1975. The light had been placed in a council storage shed probably from the time when the structure was undergoing these repairs in 1975. In 2014 the light was removed from the storage shed and donated to Flagstaff Hill museum. History: Warrnambool breakwater plans were drawn up by 1874 and approval was given for preliminary construction work to start but when the money ran out, the works stopped. With a number of quick changes of government the “Warrnambool” breakwater project was kicked from one Victorian state government to another. Then finally in 1879, the eminent British harbour engineer Sir John Coode was asked to design a breakwater. His first design was for a 1800 feet long structure but that was scaled back to 900 feet and construction finally began in 1884. This structure was attributed in causing major siltation of Lady bay, as a consequence the breakwater was again extended in 1915. In 1975, the rock armouring at the end of the breakwater was added but by 1979 another impact study was calling for the breakwater to be removed altogether. The Heritage Council Victoria, regard the Warrnambool breakwater is of historical significance to the state as one of the most important maritime engineering projects that was undertaken in Victoria during the late nineteenth century. The light is also as part of this structure regarded as a significant item of historical interest.Marker light or navigation light. Round light stand with conical top piece (2 separate pieces). Metal base painted red, clear glass middle section enclosed by metal frame, metal cone shaped top section painted silver. Electrical wiring can be seen inside centre section. Pole that light would have been on to elevate it is missing.Has metal plate screwed onto side of base engraved "23". flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, great ocean road, warrnambool breakwater, marker light, naviagtion light, breakwater navigation light