Abstract
THE “Pocket Surveyor” is a simple and ingenious mechanism for which it is claimed that it is always ready for ‘spotting’ levels, calculating heights of buildings and trees, gradients and areas; for setting right angles for sports grounds; for simple map-making and contouring. It is, however, difficult to imagine anyone seriously undertaking these duties with the instrument. The claim seems rather that where these calculations are not a matter of serious concern, the instrument might be used by way of instructional amusement. This is probably true, and one can well imagine “scouts, rovers, cadets, and members of similar organisations” using it as they might any other‘ gadget.’ The contention, however, that teachers of geography will appreciate the value of this device, “by which simple maps may be constructed, the areas of fields calculated, and the mysteries of contouring unravelled,” is surely owing to a fundamental misconception of so-called ‘practical geography.’ Admittedly, pupils are not expected to produce a finished Ordnance Survey map, but if they do such work at all, apparatus, however simple, should be used which introduces the principles of the standard instruments. To suggest that in any circumstances the “Pocket Surveyor” can do or teach the work of survey instruments is misleading and inadvisable. As an instructive toy it is excellent.
Philips' Pocket Surveyor.
Designed by George C. Sherrin. With 16-page Pamphlet. (London: George Philip and Son, Ltd.; Liverpool: Philip, Son and Nephew, Ltd., 1928.) 2s. 6d. net.
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Philips' Pocket Surveyor . Nature 122, 767 (1928). https://doi.org/10.1038/122767c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/122767c0