Islamic Scientists Compasses Glass Mirrors Clocks Purified Alcohol Optics Home	The history of the compass dates back to around AD 100, when Chinese fortunetellers began to use loadstones (an iron-oxide mineral which aligns itself in a north-south direction) to construct their fortune-telling boards. The first compass on record was reported in China around AD 800. Apparently, between 100 and 800 the idea of using the loadstones as guides came into being. The first compasses were loadstones positioned atop a slab with the cardinal directions written on them. The load stones were of a spoon- shape. The handle would always point south. Sometime between AD 850 and AD 1050 the compass became a navigation tool. Many argue that this is due to the Muslims introducing the concept of the compass to western crusaders. These warriors then returned to Europe with the compass (or at least its concept) in tow. The compass did not take full effect in Europe until the 12th century. There is some opposition to the view that the concept of the compass traveled along the Silk Road trade route. This route snaked through Persia on its way to Rome. The opposition goes so far as to claim that the Europeans were the ones who introduced the compass to the Arabs. After examining the many concepts and inventions that the crusades brough to the attention of the western world, it is not hard to accept the first explanation. Especially when considering that during the dark ages of Europe, many aspects of Muslim and Arab life were flourishing.	Contact the Authors at: lmatt@usd.edu mfsuing@usd.edu jzell@usd.edu