William Fraser

William Fraser was a mathematical instrument maker working in London from about 1780 to 1805. According to his trade card, which is reproduced on a pamphlet describing his "new pedometer," he had a royal appointment to supply His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and George III (1796-1812)

The new pedomenter fit inside a pocket watch case, was self-winding, and had two faces--one showing the steps taken and the other the compass direction. He described it as a "Pedometer, which when wore in the Pocket not only ascertaines the Space the wearer walks but likewise which way." He was the inventor and seller of the device.

Fraser also promoted a "new Horizontal Pocket Sun Dial and Compass; which by being placed promiscuously in a window, or any other Place, will form a true Horizon and Meridian of the Place at the same Instant, which no other Dial hitherto made will do, without the Help of Spirit Levels and adjusting Screws, which are attended with much more Trouble than many Gentlemen would choose to take. It is also contrived so, as to make an Allowance for the Variation of the Magnetic Needle at all Times to the greatest Accuracy, and by Means of a Table of the Equation affixed, it is rendered a complete Instrument for finding the true and apparent Time; and consequently very useful for Setting Clocks and Time Pieces."

Fraser also sold waywisers for carriages, sundials, optical, and mathematical instruments.