mb, due to the
local attraction of the iron, or the mass, on each separate compass
bearing. Thus, in lat. 76 deg. N. it was found to be +22 deg. 30' with
the head W.S.W., and -56 deg. 30' on the opposite bearing, or E.N.E.

ADJUTANT. [From Lat. _adjuvo_, to help.] A military assistant to
field-officers. The term has been applied to an assistant captain of a
fleet. It is indeed the duty performed by first lieutenants.

ADMEASUREMENT. The calculation of proportions according to assumed
rules, often ignorantly practised in estimating the tonnage of a ship.

ADMIRAL. The derivation of this noble title from the Greek _almyros_,
from the Latin _admirabilis_, from the Saxon _aenmereeal_, and from the
French _aumer_, appear all fanciful. It is extensively received that the
Sicilians first adopted it from _emir_, the sea, of their Saracen
masters; but it presents a kind of unusual etymological inversion. The
term is most frequent in old Romance; but the style and title was not
used by us until 1286; and in 1294, William de Leybourne was designated
"Amiral de la Mer du Roy d'Angleterre;" six years afterwards Viscount
Narbonne was constituted Admiral of France; which dates nearly fix the
commencement of the two states as maritime powers.

The _admiral_ is the chief commander of a fleet, but of this rank there
are three degrees, distinguished by a flag at the fore, main, or mizen
mast, according to the title of _admiral_, _vice-admiral_, or
_rear-admiral_. These were again subdivided according to their colour of
red, white, or blue, which had to be likewise borne by the squadrons
they respectively commanded. (_See_ FLAG.) In 1865 the colours were
omitted, and the only flag now hoisted by ships of war is the white St.
George's ensign, and for admirals the white St. George's cross at the
main, fore, or mizen.

The _admiral of the fleet_ is the highest officer under the admiralty of
Great Britain; it is rather an honorary distinction, and usually
attained by seniority and service: when this officer serves afloat, he
hoists the proud distinction of the Union flag at the main.

The _lord high-admiral_ was one of the principal officers of the state,
who formerly decided all cases relating to the sea: he wore a gold call
and chain, similar in form to that which has descended to the boatswain
and his mate. This dignity has been extinct for many years, and the duty
merged into that of the lords-commissioners and admiralty court; in
18