Compass, Liquid. A form of marine compass. The needle is attached to a card or disk which floats in alcohol or other spirits, so as to check undue oscillation.
Compass, Mariners’. A compass in which the needle is attached to a card that rotates in pointing to the north. A mark, called the “lubber’s mark,” is made upon the case, and this is in line with the ship’s keel, so that a glance at the card will indicate the direction in which the ship is headed.
Compass, Spirit. A form of mariners’ compass in which the bowl, or case, is sealed and filled with alcohol. The compass-card works as a spindle, and, by a series of air compartments, floats on the alcohol. The friction of the pivot is thereby greatly diminished, making the compass a very sensitive one.
Compass, Standard. A compass employed as a standard by which to compare other compasses.
Condenser. An appliance for storing up electro-static charges; it is also called a static accumulator. The telegraphic condenser consists of a box packed full of sheets of tin-foil having a sheet of paraffined paper or sheet-mica between every two sheets. The alternate sheets of tin-foil are connected together, and each set has its binding-post. (See also [Electrostatic Accumulator].)
Condenser, Air. (See [Air-condenser].)
Condenser, Ayrton’s. (See [Ayrton’s Condenser].)
Condenser-plate. (See [Plate, Condenser].)
Condenser, Sliding. An apparatus in the form of a Leyden-jar whose coatings can be slid past each other to diminish or increase the face area, and also to diminish or increase the capacity of the condenser.
Conductance. The conducting power of a mass of material, varying according to its shape and dimensions. The cylindrical or round conductor is the best type for the conveyance of electric currents.