Instrument for making the hand of an accurate clock
Date
1667
Creator
Robert Hooke (1635 - 1703, British) , Natural philosopher
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p2
Material
Dimensions
height (page): 323mm
width (page): 193mm
width (page): 193mm
Subject
Description
Illustration on a separate sheet accompanying a paper entitled '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 plaine of any Dyall in the same proportions with the motion of the suns shadow upon that plaine. Or a Description of a very easy and simple Instrument but universall for the Description of all kinds of Plaine Dyalls, whether Horizontall murall inclined . . . Together with a Demonstration of the Principles and Reason of it.'
This is an iteration of Hooke's universal joint and 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.
Copies of this image can be found at RBO/3/181 and RBC/2/310.
This is an iteration of Hooke's universal joint and 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.
Copies of this image can be found at RBO/3/181 and RBC/2/310.
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