Instrument for making the hand of an accurate clock
Date
21 March 1667
Creator
Unknown, Artist
After
Robert Hooke (1635 - 1703, British) , Natural philosopher
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p181
Material
Dimensions
height (page): 363mm
width (page): 233mm
width (page): 233mm
Subject
Content object
Description
This drawing shows an instrument designed by Robert Hooke for making an accurate hand of a clock. The instrument is made by connecting at specified angles several stiff steel wires which attach to a precise clock dial. The mechanical principle behind this device, Hooke states, could also be used for equations of time, resolving triangles, raising water, facilitating wheel-work, and several other mechanical uses.
Transcription
Full title on p. 180:
A description of an instrument for making the hand or index of an accurate clock, which moves equally swift at all times, to move unequally upon the plain of any dyal, in the same proportions with the motion of the suns shadow upon that plain, or
A description of a very easy and simple instrument but universal for the description of all kinds of plain Dyals, whether horizontal, mural, inclin'd reclin'd or declin'd; together with a demonstration of the Principles and Reason of it.
Transcribed by the Making Visible project
A description of an instrument for making the hand or index of an accurate clock, which moves equally swift at all times, to move unequally upon the plain of any dyal, in the same proportions with the motion of the suns shadow upon that plain, or
A description of a very easy and simple instrument but universal for the description of all kinds of plain Dyals, whether horizontal, mural, inclin'd reclin'd or declin'd; together with a demonstration of the Principles and Reason of it.
Transcribed by the Making Visible project
Object history
At the meeting of the Royal Society on 21 March 1667, ‘Mr. Hooke brought in the description of a very easy and simple but universal instrument to describe all the kinds of plane dials, together with a demonstration of the principles and reason of it: which was ordered to be registered’ (Birch 2:158). The text and references to the figure are printed at Birch 2:158-60.
Related fellows
Robert Hooke (1635 - 1703, British) , Natural philosopher
Associated place