South-pointing spoon (Chinese compass)
device · 200 BC · Ancient world
A lodestone spoon that points south.
What it is made of
- Magnetic lodestone spoon — has part. A lodestone spoon that turns its handle to the south.
- Square bronze diviner board — has part. A smooth plate marked with the cardinal directions.
Principles and materials it uses
- Lodestone — is made of. Lodestone.
- Bronze — is made of. The spoon of the south-pointer rests on a bronze plate.
History: what it evolved from and what it influenced
- Compass — evolved into. A magnetic pointer.