Harrison Decoded: Towards a Perfect Pendulum Clock brings together the output of a forty-year collaborative research project that unpicked and put into practice the fine details of John Harrison's extraordinary pendulum clock system. Harrison predicted that his unique method of making pendulum clocks could provide as much as one-hundred-times the stability of those made by his contemporaries. However, his final publication, which promised to describe the system, was a chaotic jumble of information, much of which had nothing to do with clockwork. One contemporary reviewer of Harrison's book could only suggest that the end result was a product of Harrison's 'superannuated dotage.' The focus of this book centres on the making, adjusting, and testing of Clock B which was the subject of various trials at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. The modern history of Clock B is accompanied by scientific analysis of the clock system, Clock B's performance, the methods of data-gathering alongside historical perspectives on Harrison's clockmaking, that of his contemporaries, and some evaluation of the possible influence of early 18th century scientific thought.
Les mer
This book is an exposition of the lesser-known work of the maverick clockmaker, John Harrison (1693-1776). McEvoy and Betts explore Harrison's background, methodology, and thinking. For those with a practical interest, the book is an excellent starting point for anyone wishing to make a pendulum clock.
Les mer
1: Introducing the precision pendulum clock by Rory McEvoy 2: The origins of John Harrison's 'Pendulum-Clock' technology by Andrew King 3: Introducing Martin Burgess, clockmaker by William Andrewes 4: Rescuing Martin Burgess's Clock B by Donald Saff 5: Reflections on making clocks Harrison's way by Martin Burgess 6: Completing Clock B by Charles Frodsham et al 7: Adjusting and testing Clock B at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich by Jonathan Betts 8: Crunching the numbers: analysis of Clock B's performance at Greenwich by Tom van Baak 9: Decoding the Physical Theory of Harrison's Timekeepers by Mervyn Hobden 10: Analysis of the mechanisms for compensation in Clock B by David Harrison Appendix: Update on Clock B by Rory McEvoy
Les mer
This is an intriguing book that anyone interested in clocks and their history will enjoy.
Rory McEvoy has worked in horology for over twenty years. Following a postgrad diploma at West Dean College, Chichester, he practiced in conservation of antique clocks and watches before joining a London auctioneer as a specialist. Since 2010, he has worked at the Royal Observatory as Curator of Horology. Research interests include: timekeeping and astronomy, the development of the precision pendulum clock with particular focus on the work of George Graham FRS and the historical practice of measuring time in the laboratory. Jonathan Betts MBE, FSA, FBHI, FIIC, FRSA was appointed Senior Horology Conservator at the NMM in 1979, and Senior Curator of Horology in 2000. He is Vice Chairman of the Antiquarian Horological Society, is a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers (2014) and a Trustee of the Institute of Conservation. In 1989 he received the NMM Callender Award, in 2002 the Clockmakers' Company's Harrison Gold Medal, in 2008 the BHI Barrett Silver Medal and in 2013 the Plowden Medal (RWHA) for his contribution to Horology Conservation.
Les mer
A unique 40 year project unpicking the details of John Harrison's pendulum clock system Useful for study on understanding the project, the principals and the history of the pendulum clock A thorough study of Harrison's pendulum clockmaking from a practical perspective
Les mer

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780198892670
Publisert
2023
Utgiver
Vendor
Oxford University Press
Vekt
268 gr
Høyde
215 mm
Bredde
138 mm
Dybde
13 mm
Aldersnivå
P, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
208

Biographical note

Rory McEvoy has worked in horology for over twenty years. Following a postgrad diploma at West Dean College, Chichester, he practiced in conservation of antique clocks and watches before joining a London auctioneer as a specialist. Since 2010, he has worked at the Royal Observatory as Curator of Horology. Research interests include: timekeeping and astronomy, the development of the precision pendulum clock with particular focus on the work of George Graham FRS and the historical practice of measuring time in the laboratory. Jonathan Betts MBE, FSA, FBHI, FIIC, FRSA was appointed Senior Horology Conservator at the NMM in 1979, and Senior Curator of Horology in 2000. He is Vice Chairman of the Antiquarian Horological Society, is a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers (2014) and a Trustee of the Institute of Conservation. In 1989 he received the NMM Callender Award, in 2002 the Clockmakers' Company's Harrison Gold Medal, in 2008 the BHI Barrett Silver Medal and in 2013 the Plowden Medal (RWHA) for his contribution to Horology Conservation.