Gimbals

Gimbals are arrangements for supporting magnetic compasses or other instruments in a horizontal position. They consist of two sets of pivots at right-angles to each other, fixed in circular brass hoops surrounding the instrument, which can oscillate in one direction by being pivoted to the inner ling, and in a direction at right-angles to the first by being pivoted with the inner ring to the outer one. If the centre of gravity of the supported instrument be well below the level of the pivots, it will remain with the same horizontal aspect, however irregularly the outer framework may be tilted.