Read more
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.
List of contents
- 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
About the author
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.
Summary
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.
Additional text
This authoritative and accessible collection of essays tells the fascinating story of [the great clockmaker John Harrison], and how Harrison's enigmatic and astute eighteenth-century account of high-reliability pendulum motion and timekeeping was at last vindicated.
