Harrison's innovative clocks from "summary" of Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel
John Harrison's revolutionary timepieces were a breakthrough in the quest for determining longitude at sea. Prior to Harrison's innovation, sailors relied on traditional methods such as celestial navigation and dead reckoning, which were often inaccurate and unreliable. Harrison's clocks, however, offered a new and precise way to calculate longitude by keeping accurate time at sea. Harrison's clocks were designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the open ocean, where extreme temperatures, humidity, and motion could easily disrupt the delicate mechanisms of traditional timepieces. By using a combination of innovative materials and mechanisms, Harrison was able to create clocks that maintained accurate timekeeping even in the most challenging maritime environments. One of the key features of Harrison's clocks was their ability to compensate for the effects of temperature and motion on timekeeping. By incorporating materials such as brass and steel that expanded and contracted at different rates, Harrison was able to ensure that his clocks remained accurate regardless of the conditions they were exposed to. Another important aspect of Harrison's clocks was their precision in timekeeping. Unlike traditional clocks that relied on pendulums, which were easily affected by motion at sea, Harrison's timepieces used a unique balance wheel mechanism that allowed for accurate timekeeping even in turbulent waters. This innovation revolutionized the way sailors could determine their longitude while at sea.- Harrison's clocks represented a significant advancement in the field of navigation, providing sailors with a reliable and accurate method for determining their position on the open ocean. By combining innovative materials, mechanisms, and design principles, Harrison was able to create timepieces that revolutionized maritime navigation and contributed to the safety and success of countless voyages.
