‎"BARLOW, PETER.‎
‎An Essay on Magnetic Attractions: particularly as respects the Deviation of the Compass on Shipboard, occasioned by the local Influence of the Guns, &c with an easy practical Method of Observing the same in all Parts of the World.‎

‎London, J. Taylor, 1820. Uncut in orig. boards. Part of Spine-paper gone and frontboard detached. Stamps on title-page. XII,145 pp., 1 folded engraved plate. Publisher's catalogue at end. Internally clean and fine.‎

Reference : 54065

‎First edition of a main contribution to the understanding of magnetic deviation.""In 1819 Barlow became interested in the compass deviation caused by the iron in ships. He therefore investigated the action of terrestrial magnetism and conducted a series of experiments on the interaction of iron objects and compass needles. His results, published as Essay on Magnetic Attractions (1820), described a method of correcting ships’ compasses by use of a small iron plate. For his discoveries in magnetism he was made a fellow of the Royal Society in 1823 and received the Copley Medal in 1825. He also received international recognition and several awards for his contribution to navigation."" (DSB).‎