1849 - joined the navigating branch of the British Navy. 1863 - while serving aboard HMS Esk, he started his investigations into the magnetic fluctuations plaguing compasses of the time. 1868 - selected to serve as an assistant in the compass department of the Admiralty. 1885 - made a fellow of the Royal Society. 1887 - appointed Superintendent of Compasses by the Admiralty. 1891 - retired from the active list of the British Navy. 1901 - drew up the magnetic instructions for Scott's Antarctic Expedition. 1903 - served as President of the Geographical Section of the British Association.