Handsomely illustrated, compellingly written and authoritative, this is the complete history of the clock. 'Timepieces' tells the story of the clock's social significance throughout time, its technological development and its historical significance. A must-have for enthusiasts and the uninitiated alike.
From the clock bells calling the faithful to worship, to the factory clocks calling their labourers to work, clocks have slowly, methodically, and inextricably come to regulate every aspect of our lives.
Throughout the ages the clock has led scientific investigation into its continued refinement. The by-products of clockmaking research and development - the thermostat, the jeweled bearing, the differential gear, and the friction clutch to name only a few - have significantly impacted many industries making our lives far more convenient and comfortable, and leading the clock, not the steam engine, to be hailed 'the key machine of the modern industrial age'.
Timepieces traces the miniaturisation of the clock from the wrought iron cathedral clock, the handcrafted wall and table clock, to the wristwatch, and explores the significant scientific advances that have accompanied these changes.
The process of perfecting the accuracy of the clock has taken nearly 800 years and has involved the greatest thinkers, scientists and mechanical geniuses of every age:
- Huygens' expansion on Gallileo's observations resulted in the first pendulum clock;
- Robert Hooke's wheel-cutting machine made the mass production of gears possible in 1672;
- The pioneering efforts of Leroy and Berthoud of Paris, and Ernshaw, Arnold, Mudge and Harrison of England brought the mechanical clock to such a degree of accuracy that it could be relied on for astronomical observations, scientific experimentation, and the successful location of longitude at sea, making commerce safer and more dependable than ever before.
These and more intriguing stories in horological history unfold in 'Timepieces'.
'Timepieces' tells the fascinating story of the clock and unfolds to reveal the artistry, beauty, and technology of this magnificent machine, as well as revealing the impact and influence that the clock has had on the religious, commercial and social fabric of our lives.
