Page:The journal of the Royal Geographic Society of London. Volume 34, 1864. (IA s572id13663720).pdf/24

xx APPENDIX C.

Prize of £50 or a Gold Medal to the Designer or Maker of the most serviceable Reflecting Instrument for the Measurement of Angles.

The Council of the Royal Geographical Society having taken into consideration the importance of Reflecting Instruments to practical geographers, and acting under the belief that many improvements in sextants and circles have been devised, both in this country and abroad, which are not generally known and have never been adequately combined in a single design, have determined to offer a prize of 50l. to the designer or maker of that Reflecting Instrument which shall in their opinion most nearly fulfil the following conditions, in addition to that of general accuracy:— 1. Portability; simplicity of packing; security from concussion.

2. Capability of measuring large angles.

3. Independence of natural or detached horizon.

4. Distinctness in reading off, by day and by night.

5. Convenience in handling; adaptability to stand for use in field.

6. Efficiency of adjustments.

7. Power of measuring faint objects.

The divided arc to be from 3 to 8 inches radius.

The instruments to be sent in cases, suited for immediate use in land travel.

The instruments will be received at the Society's rooms until the close of the present year.