
Quadrant, nineteenth century.
On display is a mid-nineteenth century Harries reflecting quadrant donated to the Library by Professor James Park in June 1936. Also displayed is an original letter confirming the donation by Park, who believed the quadrant had belonged to Captain Cook. In 1970, a letter was received from the Maritime Museum in Greenwich dating the quadrant to the mid-nineteenth century, discrediting the long-supposed association with Captain Cook.