For the past 1,000 years or so, however, mankind has relied almost completely on the magnetic compass. The first written reference ... an inspection of the fleet’s compasses was made. Of 506 ...

The spoon-shaped instrument was placed on a cast bronze ... south orientation (the earth's axis) would become magnetic. These more refined needle compasses could then be floated in water (wet compass) ...

These simple instruments were made from ... the needle on your compass should still be able to register Earth’s magnetic field and point you toward that spot in Canada. Beyond the outer edges ...