NavList:

What is the real history of the simple angular measurement device known as the kamal. You know it: a rectangular chip of wood on the end of a string. You hold the string to the end of your nose, or to your favorite tooth, or whatever, and if the rectangle fills the angle between some star (at the right local time), probably the North Star, and the horizon, then you must be at some specific latitude, presumably marked by a knot on the string.

What is the primary source evidence for the kamal? Vasco da Gama reported its use off the coast of India c. 1498. Is there any evidence it existed in earlier centuries? Navigation "cartoon histories" usually attribute it to Arab navigators. Why Arab? Why not Indian? And what of the name "kamal"? Is it sensible in any way?

Note: I am not questioning in any way the modern conception of the kamal as outlined in many introductions in navigation textbooks. Clearly, if done right, and within certain clear limitations, it surely works as advertised. What I am inquiring about is this device in history...

Frank Reed