William Austin Burt (June 13, 1792 – August 18, 1858) was an American surveyor, legislator, inventor, and millwright. He is credited with inventing the first working model of a solar compass, the typing machine (an early typewriter), and the equatorial sextant.
Burt was a prominent figure in the westward expansion of the United States, playing a crucial role in surveying the lands of Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa and other territories. His work as a government surveyor significantly contributed to the accurate mapping and allocation of land, influencing settlement patterns and resource development.
He also served in the Michigan legislature, demonstrating his commitment to public service. Burt's inventions reflect his innovative spirit and his dedication to improving the tools and techniques used in surveying and communication. His Burt solar compass was especially crucial for surveying areas affected by local magnetic disturbances due to iron ore. The invention of his typographer, although commercially unsuccessful in his lifetime, marked an early step in the development of the typewriter.
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