History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks: A Journey Through Time

About Time: A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks

by David Rooney

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25251 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	279 pages

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From the earliest sundials to the atomic clocks of today, human beings have been fascinated with time and its measurement. The history of clocks is intimately intertwined with the development of civilization itself. In this article, we will explore the history of civilization through the lens of twelve clocks, each representing a significant era or advancement in timekeeping.

1. The Sundial (c. 3500 BCE)

The sundial is one of the oldest timekeeping devices in history. It was invented in ancient Egypt around 3500 BCE and used to measure the time of day by observing the position of the sun. Sundials were used for centuries and were the primary means of timekeeping in many cultures.

2. The Water Clock (c. 1600 BCE)

The water clock was invented in ancient Greece around 1600 BCE. It worked by measuring the amount of water that flowed from a container over a period of time. Water clocks were more accurate than sundials and could be used to measure time at night or in cloudy weather.

3. The Candle Clock (c. 500 BCE)

The candle clock was invented in ancient China around 500 BCE. It worked by measuring the length of time it took for a candle to burn down. Candle clocks were relatively inexpensive and could be used to measure time at night or indoors.

4. The Hourglass (c. 1400 CE)

The hourglass was invented in Europe around 1400 CE. It worked by measuring the amount of sand that flowed from one chamber to another. Hourglasses were used to measure time for a variety of purposes, such as navigation, medicine, and cooking.

5. The Pendulum Clock (c. 1656 CE)

The pendulum clock was invented by Galileo Galilei in 1656 CE. It worked by using the regular motion of a swinging pendulum to regulate the movement of a clock's gear train. Pendulum clocks were much more accurate than previous timekeeping devices and helped to revolutionize timekeeping.

6. The Marine Chronometer (c. 1760 CE)

The marine chronometer was invented by John Harrison in 1760 CE. It was a precision timekeeping device that was used to determine longitude at sea. The marine chronometer was a major breakthrough in navigation and helped to make sea travel safer and more efficient.

7. The Telegraph Clock (c. 1840 CE)

The telegraph clock was invented in the 1840s CE. It was a clock that was connected to a telegraph line and could be used to synchronize clocks over long distances. The telegraph clock was a major advance in timekeeping and helped to improve the accuracy of timekeeping in many applications.

8. The Quartz Clock (c. 1920 CE)

The quartz clock was invented in the 1920s CE. It worked by using the piezoelectric effect of quartz to create a very accurate and stable timekeeping device. Quartz clocks were much more accurate than previous timekeeping devices and were used in a wide variety of applications, including wristwatches, clocks, and timers.

9. The Atomic Clock (c. 1949 CE)

The atomic clock was invented in 1949 CE. It worked by using the natural vibrations of atoms to create a very accurate and stable timekeeping device. Atomic clocks are the most accurate timekeeping devices in

About Time: A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks

by David Rooney

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25251 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	279 pages

FREE