Marine Chronometer: Its History And Developments

Rating:
Summary: Chronometer Development Explained
Review: This is an excellent history of the development of the marine chronometer from the earliest attempts through to the modern day. Gould was in an excellent position to write authoritatively because he reconstructed John Harrison's original "sea clocks" some of which had lain forgotten and in a very poor state. He not only restored them and got them working, but described them in detail for posterity.

This book contains a wealth of technical detail, carefully and accurately describing the designs, techniques and principles of the various developments that occurred as timekeeping at sea gradually improved over two centuries. Those who want technical details and explanations will not be disappointed in this book, while those who want to know about the background and the personalities who devoted their lives to the pursuit of accurate timekeeping will find plenty to interest them. The book contains many drawings and sketches of the various escapements which evolved and the other refinements that were invented in the course of the history of the chronometer.

All those interested in the history and technology of mechanical timepieces need to have this book in their library.

400 pages, 40+ photos, 85 sketches.