Longitude
The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time
New York : Walker, 1995.
Format: Book
Description: viii, 184 pages ; 20 cm
The story of mariners' centuries-long search for ways of determining longitude that tells not only of the scientific advances but of the perseverance, pettiness, politics, & interesting anecdotes involved. Longitude is the dramatic human story of an epic scientific quest, and of John Harrison's forty-year obsession with building his perfect timekeeper, known today as the chronometer. Full of heroism and chicanery, brilliance and the absurd, it is also a fascinating brief history of astronomy, navigation, and clockmaking. Through Dava Sobel's consummate skill, Longitude will open a new window on our world for all who read it.
Contents:
Imaginary lines -- The sea before time -- Adrift in a clockwork universe -- Time in a bottle -- Powder of sympathy -- The prize -- Cogmarker's journal -- The grasshopper goes to sea -- Hands on heaven's clock -- The diamond timekeeper -- Trial by fire and water -- A tale of two portraits -- The second voyage of captain James Cook -- The mass production of genius -- In the meridian courtyard.
Subjects:
Harrison, John, 1693-1776.
Harrison, John, 1693-1776.
Longitude -- Measurement -- History.
Chronometers -- History.
Clock and watch makers -- Great Britain -- Biography.
Harrison, John, 1693-1776.
Harrison, John, 1693-1776.
Longitude -- Measurement -- History.
Chronometers -- History.
Clock and watch makers -- Great Britain -- Biography.
ISBN:
0802713122
Availability | |||
---|---|---|---|
Call Number | Location | Shelf Location | Status |
BIOGRAPHY Harrison, John | Main (Downtown) | Third Level, Biography | In |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 177-180) and index.
Current Copyright Fee: GBP30.00 0.
Current Copyright Fee: GBP30.00 0.