Public acknowledgment from "summary" of Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel
Public acknowledgment is a fundamental human need, a form of validation and recognition that can propel individuals to achieve great feats. In the case of John Harrison, the clockmaker who solved the elusive problem of determining longitude at sea, public acknowledgment was a driving force behind his relentless pursuit of a solution. Despite his groundbreaking invention of the marine chronometer, Harrison faced skepticism and resistance from the scientific establishment of his time. The Royal Society, the preeminent scientific organization of the 18th century, was initially dismissive of Harrison's invention, preferring to promote the mathematical methods advocated by their own members. Harrison's quest for recognition was further complicated by the entrenched interests and egos of established astronomers and mathematicians who viewed his invention as a threat to their expertise and authority. Nevertheless, Harrison persisted in his efforts to gain public acknowle...
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