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Letters and observations on the inventions of H.C. Jennings, 1817 - 1818

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/31: 200-217

Scope and Contents

Printed observations and letters concerning various maritime inventions by H.C. Jennings including his insulating compass, half-minute glass and log reel. They include three printed observations on his inventions and seven letters. Jennings appears to have had a bad relationship with the Board of the Admiralty, and is described by them as 'that impudent fellow Jennings' [RGO 14/31: 210-211]. An example of this 'impudence' can be seen in a letter to the Board of Longitude in which Jennings accuses the Board of a lack of common sense [RGO 14/31: 214-214a]. Two of the letters are therefore written on his behalf by Mr Durand, a paymaster who worked with Jennings on his magnetic compass. In the final letter Jennings accuses the Board of prejudice against him and threatens to go to 'a Higher Tribunal' [RGO 14/31: 216-217].
An example of Jennings' Insulating Compass is in the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.

Dates

  • 1817 - 1818

Conditions Governing Access

Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).

Extent

20 folio(s) (20 ff.) : Paper

Language of Materials

English

Originator(s)

Jennings, H.C.; St Durant; Sir John Osborn; Milton

Finding aid date

2011-11-29 16:55:12+00:00

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Cambridge University Library Repository

Contact:
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