Renaissance/Enlightenment (1600’s-1800’s)
36 A Brief History of Time(Keeping)
Clocks
Andrew White
Introduction
The earliest forms of timekeeping, common to all mankind, were based on the rhythm of the world we live in. The turning of the sun and moon and stars allowed ancient humans to mark the passing of days and weeks and seasons. Indeed, the concept of the twelve-hour day and twelve month year originated from Babylonian culture, which associated the number twelve with the mystical or the divine. Various methods of telling time arose among ancient cultures, including various shadow and sun-based methods. Herodotus ascribed the invention of the sundial to the Babylonians, and extant examples can be found from a wide variety of cultures dating back thousands of years (Burton, 1979). However, sundials might not be considered clocks, in the modern sense, since they don’t actually measure the passage of time, but instead movement of the sun with all its variations for seasons and weather (and were, of course, useless at night). The first actual device to measure the passage of time more directly was the water-clock. There is evidence of timekeeping methods that evolved outside of Europe, with distinct design and function in an ancient water clock from Persia (see Figure 1). And herein lies the first noteworthy observation between clocks and STS. Almost all early timekeeping was found near the Equator, in Babylon, Egypt, Greece, Persia, and other warm, sunny areas. This is because clouds and short northern days left sundials useless, and cold, freezing weather would similarly foul the working of a water clock. This goes to show how something like climate can impact the technological development of a society (Andrewes, 2006).
Connection to STS
The mechanical clock’s connection to science and technology is multifaceted and profound. Historically, its development catalyzed a series of advancements across various domains. In the realm of science, the mechanical clock revolutionized timekeeping, enabling precise measurements and facilitating scientific observations. White notes that medieval European monasteries, where mechanical clocks first appeared, utilized these devices to structure their daily routines, enhancing productivity and punctuality (White, 1962). This structured timekeeping also influenced scientific endeavors, notably aiding astronomers in tracking celestial movements and conducting experiments. Sobel and Andrewes highlight the significance of mechanical clocks in the pursuit of accurate navigation, crucial for scientific exploration. By enabling sailors to determine longitude accurately, clocks like John Harrison’s marine chronometer facilitated expeditions and scientific voyages, advancing our understanding of the natural world. Technologically, the mechanical clock spurred innovation in engineering and metallurgy. Landes underscores the intricate mechanisms developed by clockmakers to ensure accuracy, leading to advancements in gear s