The idea of the gyroscope and
its possibilities as a stabilizing agent was evolved from the spectacle of a spinning top, which operates on the same principle of physics. The gyroscope represents in fact the multiplied power of many spinning tops. Its name was given to it by Leon Foucault, a noted French scientist of the 19th century, and is derived from two Greek words signifying a turning or revolution and a viewing of the same, because
the spinning wheel of a gyroscope reminded
Foucault of the revolving motion of the Earth.
A practical application of the gyroscopic principle was made by Elmer A. Sperry, an American engineer, who perfected the gyro-compass, which has been of great service to mariners. This compass obtains its directive force from the rotation of the earth and always points to the true or geographic north. It is invaluable in iron and steel ships, where the deviation of the old magnetic compass formerly caused considerable trouble. Mr. Sperry's first gyro-compass was installed on a steamship in 1911, and proved so succesful that entire United States Navy was soon equipped with it, and other naval nations followed suit.
