Longitudeby Dava Sobel | |
| List(s): | "Carp 500" |
|---|---|
| Category: |
"Nature/Science" |
| Pages: | 175 |
| Year of Publication: | 1995 |
| Date Read: | 10/04/1996 |
| Notes: | It's surprising to realize that it was not until the middle of the 18th century, when John Harrison invented the chronometer, "a clock that would carry the true time from the home port, like an eternal flame, to any remote corner of the world," that sailors could count on finding their way by reliable devices. This account of the search for a solution to one of the thorniest dilemmas in scientific history — how do you know where you are once you lose sight of land? — is an enticing, exciting chronicle of exploration, experiment and, not least, mechanical genius COMMENTS — There is now an illustrated edition by Dava Sobel and Will Andrewes, who accompanies the narrative with portraits of important figures, maps, diagrams, and photographs of scientific instruments, including John Harrison’s remarkable clocks. |
| My Rating: | 8 |