 Molyneux was known as a mathematician and maker of mathematical instruments such as compasses and hourglasses . He became acquainted with many prominent men of the day , including the writer Richard Hakluyt and the mathematicians Robert Hues and Edward Wright . He also knew the explorers Thomas Cavendish , Francis Drake , Walter Raleigh and John Davis . Davis probably introduced Molyneux to his own patron , the London merchant William Sanderson , who largely financed the construction of the globes . When completed , the globes were presented to Elizabeth I. Larger globes were acquired by royalty , noblemen and academic institutions , while smaller ones were purchased as practical navigation aids for sailors and students . The globes were the first to be made in such a way that they were unaffected by the humidity at sea , and they came into general use on ships . 
