Instrument for making the hand of an accurate clock
Date
1667
Creator
Unknown, Artist
After
Robert Hooke (1635 - 1703, British) , Natural philosopher
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p310
Material
Dimensions
height (page): 365mm
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.
This image is copied from RBO/3/181. The original drawing by Hooke is at Cl.P/20/31/002.
This image is copied from RBO/3/181. The original drawing by Hooke is at Cl.P/20/31/002.
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